Ernest Cantillon is co-founder of Kinsale Spirit Co and director of both Electric and Sober Lane. He has over 10 years’ experience in the hospitality and beverage sector and previously the president of the Cork Business Association. Kinsale Gin, owned by Kinsale Spirit Co was awarded Gin of The Year, Gin Producer of The Year, and a Double Gold at the highly prestigious Bartender Spirits Awards in 2020.

Our conversation touches on how small businesses have been forced to pivot due to continuous restrictions in the economy. Ernest shares his perspective and what he has learned from restructuring his own business model. Ernest has ambitious plans to scale up operations in the US and Chinese market and we discuss his strategy behind the expansion. We break down various career paths and how to pursue avenues you are interested in right out of university. Lastly, we look at the recovery of the hospitality and beverage industry in both a domestic and international environment.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:42) Pivoting traditional business models
(05:50) Pursuing different opportunities
(07:25) Changing priorities in life/resilience/diversification
(11:17) The ability to sell & confidence
(14:53) Expanding into US & Chinese markets
(20:54) The China Hustle
(24:06) Careers out of university & following interests/passions
(33:50) Keeping up with competition & making adjustments
(36:50) Recovering from restrictions & finding new opportunities
(42:25) Bars & clubs new opening hours

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