We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jose [Tony] Haber a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jose [Tony], looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
One risk I’ve taken that’s had a significant impact on my life is launching my business, which specializes in reviving classic Cuban brands and creating high-quality beverages. Growing up Cuban-American, I was deeply influenced by my family’s heritage and the rich culture of Cuba. I saw an opportunity to share this culture with the world, but it required taking a leap of faith and investing time, effort, and resources into building a business from the ground up.
It wasn’t easy, and there were many challenges along the way. But my family’s resilience and adaptability, which were instilled in me from a young age, helped me navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. I learned to be resourceful, to pivot when necessary, and to stay focused on my vision.
The outcome has been incredible. My business is thriving, and we’re able to share the vibrant culture and traditions of Cuba with people all over the world. It’s been a rewarding experience, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. Through this journey, I’ve learned the importance of staying true to my passion and heritage, and I believe that this has been key to our success.
Jose [Tony], before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m thrilled to share my story with you. As a Cuban-American entrepreneur and businessman, I’ve always been passionate about sharing the rich culture and heritage of Cuba with the world. Growing up, my family instilled in me a strong sense of resilience, determination, and pride in our Cuban roots.
My journey into the beverage industry began with a desire to revive classic Cuban brands and flavors. I saw an opportunity to create high-quality products that would transport people to the vibrant streets of Cuba, with its warm hospitality, rich traditions, and delicious cuisine. But I knew I couldn’t do it alone.
That’s when I met Andres Gonzalez, a talented and hardworking entrepreneur who shared my vision for bringing Cuban culture to life through exceptional beverages. Partnering with Andres was a game-changer. His creativity, expertise, and dedication helped shape the vision for Ocean Cask Spirits, and together, we brought our unique perspectives and talents to the table.
With Andres’ vision and talent, we crafted beverages inspired by traditional Cuban recipes and flavors. We’re committed to using only the finest ingredients and traditional production methods to create authentic products that capture the essence of Cuban culture. Whether you’re a fan of Cuban culture or just looking for something new and exciting, we invite you to join us on this journey.
What sets us apart is our passion for authenticity and quality. We’re not just selling drinks; we’re sharing a piece of our heritage and creating meaningful experiences for our customers. Our products solve the problem of finding authentic, high-quality beverages that truly represent Cuban culture.
I’m most proud of our ability to connect people with the vibrant culture and traditions of Cuba. We’ve built a community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for Cuban heritage, and we’re committed to delivering exceptional products and experiences that will leave you feeling like you’re part of the Cuban community.
What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my brand is that we’re driven by a genuine passion for Cuban culture and a commitment to excellence. We’re dedicated to sharing the best of Cuba with the world, and we invite you to join us on this journey. Andres and I are honored to be able to share our heritage with you, and we look forward to continuing to innovate and create products that showcase the beauty and richness of Cuban culture.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
As the founder of the Tus Nalguista Son Mias Tequila brand currently sold in Total Wine stores, I’ve faced numerous challenges, but one story that stands out is when we were launching our new products and expanding into new markets. We encountered unexpected regulatory hurdles and distribution issues that threatened to delay our launch.
Despite the setbacks, I drew on my Cuban heritage and the resilience that’s ingrained in our culture. I remembered my family’s stories of overcoming obstacles and persevering through difficult times. I applied that same determination and resourcefulness to our business, working closely with my team to find creative solutions to our problems.
Through late nights, brainstorming sessions, and collaboration with our team, we were able to navigate the challenges and successfully launch our products, including our Reposado Tequila and Lychee Tequila, in Total Wine stores. Seeing our brand come to life and connecting with customers who appreciate our unique spirit has made all the hard work worth it.
That experience taught me that resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity, but also about being proactive, adaptable, and open to learning and growth. It’s a lesson that has stayed with me and continues to guide me in my entrepreneurial journey.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I met my co-founder and business partner, Andres Gonzalez, through a mutual connection in the industry. We were introduced at a networking event, and it quickly became clear that we shared a passion for creating high-quality beverages that celebrate Cuban culture.
As we started talking, we realized that our skills and expertise complemented each other perfectly. Andres brought a wealth of knowledge about spirits and production, while I contributed my experience in business development and marketing. We hit it off immediately, and our conversation flowed effortlessly.
After that initial meeting, we stayed in touch and continued to discuss our ideas and vision for a brand that would showcase the best of Cuban heritage. We decided to collaborate and co-found Tus Nalguista Son Mias Tequila, and the rest is history.
Working with Andres has been an incredible experience. We share a similar work ethic, values, and sense of humor, which has made our partnership both productive and enjoyable. Together, we’ve built a brand that’s available in Total Wine stores and has gained a loyal following.
Our partnership is built on trust, respect, and a shared passion for creating exceptional products that bring people together. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Tus Nalguista Son Mias Tequila and look forward to continuing to grow and innovate together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Oceancaskspirits.com
- Instagram: Oceancask
- Facebook: Tony Haber
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-haber
- Twitter: Oceancask
