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

Alright, Frank thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The path to my current position has included many curves and deviations, all the while providing me with an enormity of opportunities to learn from multiple industries and individuals. The opportunities have allowed me to work inside the respective industries and outside through consultancy. Being able to work with two great passions is truly what drives me to work tirelessly.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

First and foremost coming from an educational and business background helped prepare me for participation in the world of spirits promotions and events. In 2013 I launched Miami’s First Craft Spirits Exposition to celebrate the craft of the cocktail, which was gaining popularity and acceptance at the time. I would repeat it again by launching the Miami Whiskey Mash in 2015, a celebration of whiskies from around the world. In the meantime I worked for multiple brands to help create experiential events for the spirits industry.

I then was fortunate to receive an opportunity to work in the world of premium cigars. I became a Brand Ambassador for Drew Estate Cigar Co., and became the resident expert on pairing cigars with spirits and cocktails. You can still go on YouTube and catch the Sticks & Sips episodes, which we made over 100 of.

Currently, I realized a project that I had been working on since 2016, my own Mezcal brand – Carta de Amor. The process has been long, and never easy but with perseverance, we are finally live.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’ve lost friends, acquaintances, clients, jobs, in the pursuit of my goals and aspirations. That is the price that gets paid on the road to achievement. Sometimes these losses are incredibly painful, resiliency is the key to overcoming these obstacles and impediments. At the end the toll paid is worth it. You build a tighter circle of supporters, you focus on the strength your family and friends provides, and you build a better version of yourself to handle your future success.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Leadership. My path was on becoming a School Administrator. Opportunity has a way of giving you a chance to pivot, and pivot I did. From Education to the Liquor Industry to Premium Cigars to Brand Owner. Changes keeps it fresh for me, more to learn, more challenges, and more opportunity to succeed, even if the odds aren’t in your favor.

Contact Info:

• Website: mezcalcartadeamor.com
• Instagram: frankie_dranks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Frankiedranks
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-moreno-7147157/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClANN-AdvDBN15NyQa5pmBg