We sat down with our new CEO to discuss what it means to build a company centered on gathering exceptional spirits and the people you want to share them with.
You came from hospitality before joining Company Distilling. How does that shape how you think about bourbon?
Hospitality taught me that the best experiences happen when people feel welcomed and valued. That’s exactly what drew me to Company Distilling. Jeff, Kris, and team didn’t just build a distillery. They created gathering places. Each of our three locations has become a destination where people want to spend time, not just buy a bottle and leave. When you create spaces that feel like home, everything else follows.
You talk about creating cultures where people feel valued. What does that look like at Company Distilling?
It starts with believing that how we treat each other matters as much as what we create. I want this to be a place where people are hungry to do great work, humble enough to learn from each other, and thoughtful in how we show up for our team and our customers. When people feel connected to something larger than themselves, that’s when the magic happens, whether behind the bar at one of our locations or around someone’s dinner table with our bourbon.
Now that you’re CEO, what should people expect from Company Distilling this year?
This year is all about growth and gathering. You’ll start to see new products pulled from Jeff’s archive, seasonal cocktails we’re really proud of, and some fun updates happening inside our distilleries. Our team is growing, we’re reaching new markets, and we’re saying yes to new opportunities that help us share what we do with more people. At the heart of it, Company has always been about good whiskey and good company, and that’s not changing. If anything, we’re leaning into it even more this year.
Tell us about Company Hour. Why does this new tradition resonate with you?
It’s that intentional moment in your evening, whether it’s a single pour over one cube or carefully crafting your favorite cocktail, when you gather with people who matter, take a deep breath, and truly connect. What I love about Company Hour is its simplicity and purpose. It’s not about how much you drink or making the fanciest cocktail. It’s about pausing, connecting, and being present with friends, family or even just some quiet time alone. Anyone can make that a tradition in their own life.
What do you want people to feel when they open a bottle of Company?
Excited to share it. We make spirits worthy of the company you keep—literally. The best bottle is the one you open with people you care about. Whether it’s an evening with your neighbor or a celebration with your entire crew, the point is to enjoy it together. Life’s too short to save the good stuff for a perfect moment that may never come.
