​​Introducing Hello Heaven Hill, a Monthly Employee Q&A Series​

Today we’re excited to introduce a monthly employee Q&A series called Hello Heaven Hill. One week each month will be dedicated to sharing several Q&A sessions with employees from different parts of the company. Our hope is that sharing these posts will allow the Heaven Hill family to become even closer, get to know each other better, and even learn something new about one another.

We’re kicking off the series with Andrew Roth, Blender at Black Velvet Canadian Whisky.​

How long have you been a part of the Heaven Hill family?

Well, like everyone else at Black Velvet, I have only been a part of Heaven Hill for just over seven months. Halloween 2019 is when we were all officially introduced to this wonderful company. From day one they showed us who they were. After meeting the company’s owner and top people (a personal touch few businesses do anymore) we were delighted to see them cut a very large check to one of our local charities.

What’s inspiring you in life right now?

Watching strangers come together during a global pandemic and to protest for equality and justice all across the globe. Covid-19 took so many jobs and opportunities from people, but it couldn’t break the kindness and compassion in our collective hearts to do what is needed to help our fellow man.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My father always told me that “suffering builds character.” The ability to turn hardships and failure into learning experiences and successes has been a very valuable tool in my life. I hope to pass these lessons on to my children as well.

Tell us about an organization or cause you are passionate about.

The Ronald McDonald House. 100% of money donated to the charity goes to helping the families that need it. The C.E.O takes a $0 salary. I believe the Ronald McDonald House is the true definition of what it means to be a selfless c​harity.

What is your favorite Heaven Hill memory?

How Heaven Hill has conducted business and treated both their employees and their communities during this global pandemic. Whether its making hand sanitizer to donate to hospitals and frontline workers, or to daycares and senior centers, to going as far as temporarily hiring employee’s family members who were out of work because of Covid-19 for temp positions. These actions go above and beyond, and deserve recognition and acclimation. Heaven Hill lives by its corporate values, and it shows in their actions every single day.

What is your favorite time of day?

I like almost every part of my day (except waking up early, for obvious reasons) But if I am forced to choose, I would have to say the two hours after my children are in bed asleep, and I can sit out in my yard and read, or chat quietly with my wife. In Canada, we only get 2 months or so to enjoy the outdoors (without freezing off limbs). Sometimes the best way to unwind is to sit quietly in nature with the ones we love. There is no need for words when we can find peace and comfort by being near the ones we hold closest in our hearts.

What are three things you couldn’t live without?

I couldn’t live without my children (Even when they are driving me nuts), I couldn’t live without my wife (even when she is driving me nuts lol), and I couldn’t live without purpose. Having a reason to get out of bed everyday and better myself and the people around me is something I couldn’t possibly imagine living without. Trying and failing is perfectly acceptable to me. But failing to try is a cowardly way to live life.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered for being kind hearted and having a very flexible sense of humor. I would hope that my actions would always speak louder then my words. I would like to be remembered for who I actually am. Flaws and all.

What is a skill that you are mastering?

I am trying to master the art of patience. Luckily I have three children that like to test my abilities on keeping my cool on a daily basis.

What is your favorite pastime?

Being Canadian, I’m pretty sure it’s against the law not to say “Hockey.” I enjoyed playing it as a child and I’ve enjoyed watching it as an adult. But most importantly, I’ve enjoyed teaching the lessons about team work and camaraderie to my children. Here hockey is a way to bring a community together, regardless of race, religion, or politics. It’s the love of the game that keeps us connected.​