Your business card famously lists your title as Nice Guy. I have to start there. What inspired that title, and what does it say about the kind of person and leader you strive to be?
Honestly, I’ve had the opportunity to do many things in my life… I’ve worn the uniform for this country, I’ve thrown countless hay bales, I’ve served at every level in the IT world, I’ve been behind the bar making many cocktails for humans, to name a few. My belief is that titles can sometimes fall flat, so I figured I would pick one that embodies who I strive to be every day.
You’re someone who seems to genuinely enjoy learning, exploring new ideas, and mastering your craft. Where do you think that curiosity comes from, and how has it shaped your life?
Each day is a new and exciting adventure. If we aren’t all trying to improve ourselves, then what are we doing with our short time on this planet? I’m fueled by learning, but sharing that knowledge is my favorite thing to do.
My family has shaped who I am, and that is what still guides me. Much of me, I’m sure, came from my mother; she was always the most gregarious person in any room she was in. But today it comes from my wife, Sheila, and our four kids: Connor, Evan, Kailyn, and Delanie.
Every entrepreneur faces challenges and setbacks. What mindset helps you stay optimistic and keep moving forward when things don’t go as planned?
Optimism is a choice, and challenges are opportunities. I have a knack for cultivating very talented teams. When you do that, those humans cover up a large number of personal deficits. Understanding that things will absolutely not go to plan is critical. Having a team that can right the ship as you go is what keeps things moving forward. You and your team must know how to pivot.
Building a business takes tremendous energy. How do you balance the demands of entrepreneurship while still making time for family, friends, and the things that recharge you?
Woof… The dreaded B word: balance. The answer is, of course, it takes a tremendous amount of energy; an overwhelming amount at times. What we are creating at Sioux City Distilling Company (SCDC) absolutely fuels me, though. Knowing the impact we will make in this community and seeing the faces of the humans who come into this historic space fills my battery. I get the opportunity to make these incredible things happen with the help of my family and closest friends. This situation is unique in that executing this project brings me closer to everything I love.
You have a deep appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and the preservation of things that tell a story. Where did that appreciation begin, and why is it so meaningful to you?
Stories are all we have in the end. It is enriching to hear them, and our duty to share them. Sioux City Distilling Company has the unique pleasure of bringing to life many of the stories that shaped not only Siouxland but also policy and progress in the United States. The historic structure we are located in acts as a conversation point and is a real testament to the craftmanship of those who came before us. The combination of telling these stories and sharing them in a historic place is core to us at SCDC.
When people spend time with you, what do you hope they remember, not about your business, but about you as a person?
Remembering things about me isn’t really important, but if folks have any takeaways, they should be: 1. Humans matter, and we should all give each other a bit of grace. 2. Do dope shit.
Business
Sioux City Distilling Company is much more than a distillery—it’s become a destination. What vision did you have when you first imagined bringing this historic building back to life?
My vision is to be a hub for our community and a draw for those outside of our community to learn more. The renovation project alone has earned us the coveted Treasure of Sioux City award. But our goal from the beginning has been to be a tourist and travel destination. We are the first legal distillery in Sioux City, and that says something with our truly interesting history, particularly as it pertains to spirits.
Throughout the renovation, you intentionally preserved many of the building’s original architectural details. Why was it important to honor its history rather than simply create something new?
It is really hard to tell old stories in a new building. We sit in the 33rd block of the original platting of Sioux City; we are effectively where Sioux City began. We don’t make buildings like the Ogden Building anymore; we don’t even grow trees like the ones the building was constructed with anymore. It’s not easier to bring old structures like this back to life, but it is extremely important.
You’ve earned specialized certifications in whiskey and have invested countless hours studying the craft. What fascinates you most about whiskey, and how has that expertise influenced the experience you create for your guests?
You can trace our nation’s history through spirit; you can trace much of civilization’s history through alcohol. I have studied the subject in great depth, and I’ve only realized there is so much more to learn. From a guest-experience standpoint, we try to create opportunities that fuel curiosity. Our creations, from spirits to cocktails, are enjoyed at a personal level by our guests in wildly different ways. It is our job to remind folks that your palate is unique to you; it’s ok to drink differently.
Sioux City isn’t always the first place people think of when they talk about premium whiskey experiences, yet you’re helping change that perception. How do you hope Sioux City Distilling Company helps put our community on the map?
By being a place that invites the world in. We plan to draw folks in from outside our market, not only to visit but, hopefully, to stay. We have a wide variety of amenities in our area that do the same dang thing; we want to help be an ignition point for that, as well. Our brands lead with the stories of Sioux City’s past, our spirits are created with locally grown raw materials, and our space… well… is gorgeous.
Every great business has its own personality. What kind of culture are you intentional about creating for your team, your customers, and everyone who walks through your doors?
Culture is an important thing to me. Sioux City Distilling Company’s culture is rooted in History, Fellowship, and Family. We strive to preserve local history through embracing the stories of our past and the historic structure we are based in. We focus wholly on Inclusivity and Fellowship as the distillery acts as a grand gathering space for all humans, designed for storytelling, socializing, and learning about the art of distillation and craft cocktails. Family is the piece that holds it all together: we get the unique opportunity to invite people in to experience a bit of that family feel and the hospitality that goes along with it.
Looking back at everything you’ve built, from restoring a historic landmark to creating a gathering place that celebrates craftsmanship and community, what are you most proud of, and what excites you most about what’s still ahead?
I’m most thankful for the family and friends who have gotten us to just the starting blocks of this project, and the partnerships we’ve built in the community. As for what excites me most about the way ahead… it is the limitless possibilities. Embrace every day as a new and exciting adventure, care about humans, and do dope shit.
