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Park Street Insider Podcast
The Park Street Insider Podcast is a spirit industry-focused podcast dedicated to bringing you closer to the key brands, topics, and trends driving the drinks business. We host the spirits category's most influential leaders and entrepreneurs to uncover the business strategies, stories, and brand-building tips behind some of the biggest brands in the industry. Whether you're interested in Agave spirits, whiskey, read-to-drink, low & no, or any other category, our hosts will bring you closer to the heart of what's happening in each.
In each episode, hosts Emily Pennington, Emmett Strack, and Andres Correa speak to spirits industry thought leaders to discuss the moves that shaped their careers, how they built some of the brands we all know and love, and some of the tools they can’t live without. They'll also zero in on the hottest subjects taking hold of beverage alcohol, keeping listeners up to date on the trends shaping spirits.
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Park Street Insider Podcast
What It Takes— Tequila Komos Founder Richard Betts
On the Park Street Insider Podcast, we often explore the underlying ethos that guide a brand concept to concrete success. For Richard Betts, the founder and CEO of Casa Komos Brands Group, the brands he's developed throughout his career—including Betts & School, Astral Tequila, Sombra Mezcal, and Tequila Komos among others—have always lived at the intersection of enthusiasm and opportunity.
On this episode, the Park Street Insider Podcast's Emily Pennington is joined by Betts to dive into his entrepreneurial journey. Betts got his start in restaurants, eventually becoming a wine director in Aspen and then certified as a Master Sommelier in 2003. He then went on to found both Betts and Scholl Wine and Scarpetta Wine before getting into the world of spirits where he helped develop Sombra Mezcal. Betts now runs Casa Komos Brands Group handling Tequila Komos and Superbird, plus a couple of impending brands he shares in this interview.
Having worked closely in both wine and spirits, Betts breaks down the primary differences and overlaps between operating brands in these two spheres. You'll also hear about Bett's values as a leader, outlining how to build healthy and effective company cultures.
Episode Breakdown:
0:12 - Introduction to agave spirits in the U.S. market
6:05 - Richard Betts Background
11:00 - Founding his first wine brand
15:50 - Sombra Mezcal
19:50 - Partnership with Davos Brands
21:20 - Difference between wine and spirits industries
25:00 - Founding Casa Komos Brands Group
30:11 - Route to market for CKBG brands
32:07 - Tequila Komos partnership with E&J Gallo
33:35 - Betts' values as a leader:
37:12 - Health and wellness for entrepreneurs:
39:30 -Tips for aspiring entrepreneurs:
Key Quote:
"We make things that we love and that we think have a chance of being loved by others. So we live at the intersection of enthusiasm and opportunity. And I think when you show up with that sincerity you'll also show up with a willingness to work hard."
In this episode you'll hear from:
Richard Betts, CEO, and Founder, Casa Komos Brands Group
Mentioned in this episode:
Casa Komos Brands Group
Tequila Komos
Davos Brands: What It Takes— Davos Brands Co-Founders Andrew Chrisomalis and Guillaume Cuvelier
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