This episode of Biz-Souls is what happens when business strategy meets… booze with a backstory.

Recorded on location at Hollywood Distillery, Rona Lewis takes the mic solo (don’t worry, Jeffrey is lurking off-camera like a true executive producer ninja) and dives headfirst into a story that proves entrepreneurship is equal parts vision, timing… and apparently, several thousand pounds of dates.

Because nothing says “business pivot” like turning a former mortuary into a buzzing distillery across from Hollywood Forever Cemetery. That’s right: where spirits once departed, they now get bottled.

Larry Newberg, Hooch Commander, which frankly should be an MBA concentration, walks us through how a casual conversation at the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce turned into a full-blown distilling operation on historic Route 66 under the Hollywood Sign. Because if you’re going to disrupt an industry, you might as well do it somewhere iconic.

This isn’t your average “burn-your-soul-then-text-your-ex” vodka. This is date-based vodka that strolled into the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2019 and casually walked out with title Best Vodka in the World and a double gold award. No label. No expectations. Just delightful vibes and victory. It’s smooth. It’s sippable. It’s the kind of drink that makes you ask, “Wait… vodka can taste like this?”

Between laughs and pours, and Rona getting progressively more enthusiastic about liquid research, there are actual takeaways:

• Say yes to weird opportunities - even if you don’t know where they might be heading.

• Own the asset, not just the idea. Landlords are not known for their enterprising spirit.

• Expect chaos and economic stress: Especially when your project involves the city, construction, and a global pandemic.

• If you’re going to fail, which they refuse to do, fail with a full bodied commitment, and preferably with a tasting room.

Why you should listen!

• Because this episode has everything:

• A business origin story that starts with “Wait… can we even do this?”

• A uniquely concocted product.

• Hollywood history, legends, and Hollywood dreams.

• And just enough hooch to loosen up those uptight city folks.

If you’ve ever thought, “I have an idea, but it’s probably too crazy…” This episode politely pushes you to jump in with both feet and with a glass in hand.

Listen to Biz-Souls at Hollywood Distillery where the only thing stronger than the vodka… is the entrepreneurial spirit.

And while you’re toasting to this episode, share the toast and the podcast. Then follow along and subscribe. You’ll be glad you did.

In the meantime, here are some other Biz-Souls award winners:

Episode 139: Play for Better Living!

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EOyx44QYvEkrzE6Fg6fA8

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdUd8cU1JXg

Episode 137: Just Say No! Maybe.

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5O9pVnMLtrVRHfSrkE3dZn

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0ffpbkA2n8

Episode 136: Mature Gnome with Ego

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4SrTBRzWZ9MbhycJw5Nkwv

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl6sKzNUWTo

Episode 127: Tickled About Piccles! with Chris Bent

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1m0lrAjU0EoA0YpWqq9n9K

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQNREqXwV8k

Episode 125: How to Retrain Your Brain with Kelley Raleigh

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Sl8zVZB6Jx5DMHg8lN9aH

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA4P9HvbKVI