My achievements to date are my rums. I hope in time I can point to how they have made a difference in the rum industry.

At some point during my formative years, I acquired a perspective of what rum once was and what rum can be. Although I can point to a specific event I have memories that probably helped form my perspective; like chewing raw sugar cane and seeing a dilapidated building that once housed the works of a thriving sugar plantation.

There are many reasons why I want to continue doing the work I do. The biggest reason is my idea of what rum can be.

My favorite drink is a cocktail a skilled bartender has been made with my rum.

5 years ago I asked this question to the head of marketing for one of the country’s biggest spirits distributors. He pulled a bottle of Cuban rum off his large shelf of spirits and said, “We are waiting for this.” I have to imagine that this will be by far the biggest factor in the rum industry over the next 5 years.

I rely heavily on an ever growing number of people for their advice and leadership. I am not sure I can just pick two or three as examples. I have learned that valuable advice and knowledge can come from unexpected sources so I do my best to meet and speak with as many people as possible.

Exhibiting Marauda Rum at the Miami Rum Festival.

Expanding Marauda Rum’s distribution to 5 more states.