We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Russ Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Russ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Putting up your own capital while still figuring out if it was a passion or not was very challenging. Also, there were some things I’ve decided to do marketing wise that helped us get recognition but didn’t return cash.

The risk was well worth it because now that people trust our product, it’s much easier to sell them something because they trust it.

Now that we are moving along, dozens of people have been wanting to invest with us. Now it’s just picking the right partner.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve gotten into the industry through many people inside of the industry being welcoming to my curiosity & growing passion. I’ve always wanted to be in the liquor industry & since I’ve been in Kentucky, it’s attracted me & turned me into a connoisseur of somewhat.

My background in basketball gave me my discipline & work ethic so I’m willing to make sacrifices & go through things many other may not be willing to do.

What sets me apart from many other founders in my industry is that not only am I still alive, I’m hands on 110% with day to day functions of the company whether that be distribution, dry goods, strategy, supply chain or wet.

I’m most proud of the organic traction we’ve been making and our consumer trust. People love our product & we want our quality always top tier.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My co founder/partner is my best friend & we met on college campus together.

She’s amazing, smart & picks me up in all the areas I lack. I’m very fortunate to have met her & be able to spend time with her.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think the industry experience we have accessible in Kentucky is priceless. They’ve been able to teach me things I couldn’t learn in a book,

Also, recognizing I’m in a new industry, I was always open to learning something new & learning from mistakes.

As long as we are pushing forward, the turbulence will build character.

Contact Info:

• Website: Mrandmrsbourbon.com
• Instagram: @mrandmrsbourboncompany
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-smith-33609b234
• Twitter: @MrandMrsBourbon

Image Credits
Blake McGrew