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

I have been with the Heaven Hill family for three months. I was previously with Constellation Brands for 18 years, 12 of which I worked at Black Velvet, Lethbridge as Distillery Manager. My time at Heaven Hill so far has been great. Everyone has been very friendly, helpful, welcoming and supportive. The family culture is clearly visible from the operating floor to the Executive Leadership.

What’s inspiring you in life right now?

My family, and especially my four-year-old grandson. Like many families, we have been tested in many ways. I even lost my mother to COVID a few days ago. The family has been a great inspiration and a source of strength during these difficult times. Speaking with my grandson helps me put things in perspective. I truly appreciate who I am and what I have. 

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

I have a couple that are equally important to me. I have been a supporter of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization since 2010. I have been lucky in life to have had role models and mentors who made a lasting impact on my life, career and character. I try to do the same for others, especially the young and vulnerable. Many of the children in Big Brothers Big Sisters are in unfortunate situations. They don’t have an adult to look up to, or they are facing financial or other hardships.

I am also passionate about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and was very much involved at Constellation Brands at both the corporate and local levels. Diversity enables differences in perspective and creates richer ideas, opportunities and innovation. Companies with higher diversity are more likely to outperform the competition in many aspects. I am very pleased that Heaven Hill has embraced DEI. On the personal side, I have a very diverse family; I am African-American, my wife is Asian, my son-in-law is Caucasian, and my grandson is everything in between. We are all just a melting pot and one big, diverse family.

Which Heaven Hill corporate value do you relate to most and why?

The Teamwork value is a key one to me, since it encompasses all the other individual values and brings the best out of everyone. When teamwork is embraced as a business culture, both tangible and non-tangible benefits are realized. I have had the opportunity to experience the benefits of high performing teams, as well as the downside of not having one. It takes time, effort and resources to develop and sustain a team business culture, but the rewards are immense and worth the effort and investment.

What’s your favorite Heaven Hill memory?

There are many in the short period I that have been here. One of them is the onboarding process. It was efficient, friendly and well documented. The tools for work were readily available and operational. Many employees offered to help, both at work and in the community. Truly a family-oriented business.

What’s one thing people may not know about you?

I speak four different languages – English, Swahili, Norwegian and Chagga.

What’s your favorite time of day?

The morning is my favorite time. I normally do a quick, light workout and always appreciate another chance in life to look for opportunities and make a difference to my family, others and the community.

What are three things you can’t live without?

My family. They have been the foundation for my character and values. They are also a source of strength and hope for me during challenging times.

My wife, Connie. We have been married for 32 years. She has been the cornerstone of our family and the person behind every success that we have had.

I am also very grateful for my good health. I can’t imagine living without it.

What would you like to be remembered for?

As a good dad, husband and person — that I tried my best to make a positive difference to others and to society.