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March 02, 2020
Women's History Month is an annually declared month (March) that highlights the contributions of women throughout the years to the present time. At Heritage Distilling Co. (HDC) we are proud to be led by a handful of ambitious women throughout the various facets of our growing business.
The spirits industry is notably characterized as being a male-dominated industry. But that isn't to say women aren't blazing the trail and making moves across the board. In fact, many powerful women are steering the ship for other well-known liquor brands as well.
We want to celebrate this month by highlighting several remarkable women behind our brand. Read below for Women's Month part 1 and get to know a few fearless females who are tenaciously building HDC to what it is today.
Stay tuned for part 2!
Jennifer Stiefel
President, Heritage Distilling Co.
What is your favorite cocktail?
Jennifer: Old Fashioned with BSB 103. No need to use a sugar cube, and the BSB 103 gives the drink such a great depth of flavor.
In your own opinion, how do you see the spirits industry shifting for women?
Jennifer: As in many industries, women are taking significant leadership roles in the entire adult beverage space. It just so happens that spirits is hitting its stride relative to beer and wine. In the craft spirits space, we have the luxury of creating our roles, and you see a significant number of husband and wife teams, or women business partners, starting and growing tremendous businesses in this realm. It will be exciting to see the growth in women-led spirits businesses over the next ten years. I am honored to be part of that growth.
What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership in their companies?
Jennifer: There are 3 things I focus on. First, great leaders are also life long learners- my advice is to continue to ask questions, provide feedback and not hold back your opinion in the face of obstacles. Second, be prepared, and when opportunity strikes, grab it. Third, develop great team building skills focused on treating people fairly and decently while still holding them accountable.
How has working with other talented women helped you shape your career?
Jennifer: We are fortunate in the quality of employees we attract and retain at HDC. I learn so much from them, and I hope they, in turn, learn something from me. We are constantly challenging each other to find better ways to do things. And for those of us who are moms, we tend to build our days and routines around kids’ schedules. It forces us to be extra efficient with our time while at work. You would be amazed at how much a mom can accomplish every day if she knows she has to be at the bus stop by 3 pm. Don’t get in her way!
What excites you most about working at HDC?
Jennifer: Working with such a talented group of people who are all working towards the same goal, and the creativity that comes from our team.
If you could drink BSB® - Brown Sugar Bourbon with any person dead or alive, who would it be?
Jennifer: Fast forward 20 years, I’d like to share BSB with my daughter, Kendall, who was three years old when we started Heritage Distilling Co. I’d like to hear her perspective as a first hand witness to the creation and growth of our company.
Shelby Young
Director of Programs, Heritage Distilling Co.
What is your favorite cocktail?
Shelby: Cocktails! I have two favorite cocktails: Whiskey Ginger and a Greyhound - always my go-to's!
What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership in their companies?
Shelby: Believe in yourself. Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures. Both are a guarantee.
How has working with other talented women helped you shape your career?
Shelby: When you are lucky enough to be surrounded by great women, you not only pull energy from them, you also learn a lot. Our women (company wide) lead with integrity, strength and class. They make me want to be a better person and work up to their level every single day.
What excites you most about working at HDC?
Shelby: The thing that excites me the most about working at Heritage Distilling Co. is the growth. Witnessing the company evolve has been an amazing journey to be a part of, for both me AND my family and friends. I receive messages and photos with "look what I see!" notes with bottles found on store shelves, HDC trucks on the freeways, drink selections on menus, BSB billboards during baseball games and radio commercials during daily drives. It's fun to be a small part of that success.
If you could drink BSB® - Brown Sugar Bourbon with any person dead or alive who would it be?
Shelby: Bradley Cooper. No explanation needed.
Cindy Glass
Production Lead II, Heritage Distilling Co.
What excites you most about working for HDC?
Cindy: Relating to the production bottling department, it is most exciting seeing our perfect BSBbottles displayed like trophies when I go into a retailer.
Describe your start at HDC and the spirits industry?
Cindy: I was a stay-at-home-mom for about 3 years before I got hired on with HDC on the bottling line. When I first started, I was shaking like a scared chihuahua!
How much did you know about spirits before you started?
Cindy: I knew spirits only in that it tasted good. Other than that…Moonshiners was my only source of “knowledge” regarding production. I've learned so much in the past 3 years of being here.
How would you describe the company culture here?
Cindy: There is a definite family oriented mindset and atmosphere within the company. I am SO appreciative of it!
Whats your favorite cocktail?
The BSB Churro.
If you could drink BSB® - Brown Sugar Bourbon with any person dead or alive who would it be?
Cindy: Athenian philosopher, Plato. Have you read his books?! I’m curious to see what his mind is like during that first taste of BSB and after a FEW more.
Stay tuned mid-month for part 2!
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