As a few of you may know, I’ve been in the process for well over a year of developing a bourbon whiskey brand. It has taken quite a bit of time and energy, but it is finally coming to fruition. As the brand and company is starting to be shared, there has been quite a number of times where people have looked at me with a somewhat puzzled expression and asked, “Why are you doing this?” Initially when I received this question, I would simply answer “Well, why not?” However, my answer is a bit longer and deeper than that whimsical response.
5 years ago, a friend of mine who shares books with me gave me “Dream Big” by Bob Goff. At the time I was reading books on History and Theology, so this apparent self-motivational book did little to perk my interest. However, my friend kept asking me how I liked the book, so out of obligation I opened and started reading. I am happy I did. Mr. Goff’s writing style was easy to read, as the author’s sense of humor was on full display. His book resonated with me at the time, culminating in the challenge to simply write down a list of my dreams. This made me think of ideas, goals, and adventures that I had in the past but seemingly ignored or quit pursuing, as well as new ones due to newer interests and passions. The exercise woke me up a bit, giving me and my life some needed rejuvenation. And one of the items on my list was to start a bourbon business.
3 years had passed and, while I pursued and achieved some items on my dream list, I had done nothing with looking into starting a bourbon business. However, one night while perusing the whiskey section of a local store, I had an epiphany: Doctors Blend Bourbon. My recent reading of some books on early American and Kentucky history, and the history of medicine and whiskey, led me to see the untold connection between doctors and whiskey. This brought together 3 of my passions: my work as a physician, my love of early Kentucky and American history, and bourbon whiskey. While looking at my dream list a few days later, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue.
About 9 months later and lots of hours spent researching the business and starting the branding and trademark process, I was speaking with a close friend who was also interested in joining me on this venture. While I was talking about a big next step we needed to make, he asked me “So are we really going to do this?” I said without hesitation, “Yes. We are not going to be like other people who just talk about their dreams. Let’s go for it.” While I would like to say the next 9 or so months were smooth sailing, it has not been easy. Many times I have prayed that I be content whether this happens or not, and that I trust God’s will even if this business is not meant to be. But the past few weeks I have seen Him direct things as only He can, and I am thankful to say the least. I am looking forward to His purpose for me in this business and the new adventure it will bring.
So why am I doing this? Well, it is about me pursuing my dreams with passion and purpose, with the goal of living my life to the fullest. In fact, our motto is “Live life with passion, and Never stop dreaming.” I hope some people see and appreciate this, and they too become inspired to do the same.
“So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.” Eccl 3:12-13, NLT.
