Dave Perkins is the Founder and former CEO of High West Distillery, a craft whiskey producer.  He sold the company in 2016 after 12 years to Constellation Brands for $160 million.  He had a successful career in biotech marketing prior to that.  He lives in Park City, Utah.  

 

Some interesting insights from this episode: 

• Learn how his biotech background prepared him for building a whiskey business from scratch. 

• He moved to Utah to start the company despite the state’s tight liquor laws. 

• He chose to become a distiller, not just a blender, despite the much larger investment and longer waiting period. 

• Learn how good contingency planning can help mitigate risk in a startup. 

• In addition to hard work, good planning and a distinctive product, serendipity played a key role in his success. 

• Excellence is taking pride in your work and giving it your best.