Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mark Townsend, co-owner of Silver Fox Distillery, located in Arthur, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Artisan Distillery, with over 13 awards in North America, we have a selection of gins, vodka, rye, and liqueurs that are crafted for taste. All grains and most botanicals are from within a 50km radius of the distillery, making a truly local taste experience.
Tell us about yourself
I started my journey in distilling about 40 years ago and have learned and grown to the point of creating truly crafted spirits known for smoothness on the palette and an experience on the taste buds.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We could easily go into our designing of our stills and layout dedicated to tours, or the 13 awards in North America and an International award in our first year of being open to the public. But our biggest accomplishments are, of course, our customers. We have an extremely high repeat clientele, with most becoming unofficial ambassadors of Silver Fox Distillery.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being able to ensure each customer is treated like an old friend. Spending time with everyone to ensure all questions are answered. Our museum pieces in the storefront are available for pictures.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do your homework to ensure you know all the accounting sides of your business. We work under an 80% tax bracket, so we have little profit built into each sale, but ours is a volume business. You must ensure you have a three-year operating budget in which you can manage the business operating at a loss for that time. Make sure you have a solid business plan and update it yearly or as major changes are forced upon you (COVID). Personal time. It is all too easy to spend 18hour days 7days a week on your startup. Set in stone, one day a week minimum where you do not go near anything to do with your business. It will be the hardest part of having a new business, but it will also be the best thing for your establishment to have you refreshed and not burnt out.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Ensure you know the regulations in dealing with all forms of government and local authorities. We see many rushes into the dream only to be crushed by the realities of the business. Be prepared, so you never have a surprise.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://silverfoxdistillery.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverfoxdistillery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverfoxdistillery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DistilleryFox
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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