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.