In this episode of Founders in Full, I talk with Nick Nagele, co-founder of Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., one of the only true seed-to-spirit farm distilleries in the U.S.
Nick shares how a fifth-generation farm background, a passion for agriculture, and a leap of faith led to launching a whiskey brand rooted in storytelling, transparency, and terroir.
We dive into:
- How a side project became a full-fledged distillery—after a very real “let’s cash out our 401k” moment
- The zoning battles and government pushback that nearly derailed the business before it opened
- Why branding and storytelling became essential to their success (especially when they had nothing to sell)
- How they built a passionate following by turning customers into brand advocates—and even employees
- The long game of staying true to your vision in a market full of shortcuts
If you’re building something meaningful—and especially if marketing and brand clarity feel hard in the early stages—this episode will hit home.
Learn more about Whiskey Acres: https://www.whiskeyacres.com
Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicknagele/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-nagele-3064495/
Connect with me (Dan Ritzke):
I’m a Fractional CMO who helps FamTech companies position their brand, sharpen their messaging, create marketing strategies that drive growth, and oversee execution to make sure those plans turn into results.
👉 Visit my website: www.danritzke.com
👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ritzke
Apply to be on the podcast or nominate a founder:
👉 Visit my website: www.danritzke.com/podcast
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