This week’s Thriving Together Thursday spotlight shines on Steve Boone—a leader whose commitment has guided us for over three decades.

This year, Steve is celebrating 35 remarkable years with Heaven Hill, and throughout those decades, he has built more than a career; he’s built trust and a sense of community that runs deep through our warehouse and distillery teams. Starting as a Warehouse Supervisor in Bardstown in 1990, Steve has worn many hats at the company. Today, he serves as Distillery Manager at Bernheim, where his confidence and deep industry knowledge continue to shape our company’s future.

His career journey, from Bardstown warehouses to leading one of the most advanced distilling operations in the country, speaks volumes about his character: thoughtful, committed, and always willing to take on a challenge. For Steve, success isn’t about titles; it’s about taking care of people.

“Years ago, a mentor told me, ‘Sometimes we have to take care of our people.’ That stuck with me. That’s how I try to lead—making sure the folks who report to me feel secure, respected, and motivated,” Steve states.

Ask those who work alongside Steve, and they’ll tell you he’s the steady hand in the storm. Someone you can go to for perspective, for answers, and for a living reminder of the Spirited Commitment: Acting with Integrity and Making an Impact.

“Steve is levelheaded in every decision. You know if you bring something to him, you’ll get thoughtful advice and decades of experience behind it,” says Director Maintenance and Engineering, Kevin Boone.

Master Distiller, Conor O’Driscoll, recalls his first impression of Steve. “On my very first day at Bernheim, Steve introduced himself with a firm handshake, welcoming, confident, and giving off the vibe of ‘I’m going to love working with this guy.’ That impression has held true ever since.”

Conor believes the Spirited Commitment behavior Steve most naturally embodies is Work Together to Win. He notes that Steve consistently includes his team, keeping their viewpoint front and center. Steve makes sure hurdles are addressed early, meaningfully recognizes individual contributions, and celebrates the team’s collective success when the job is done.

For Steve, Thriving Together means shared success, communication and celebrating when goals are met and achieved. He’s seen Heaven Hill at its toughest moments, like the 1996 fire, and through it all, he’s led by example. With steady leadership and a clear sense of responsibility, Steve shows what it means to live the values that have defined Heaven Hill for generations.

Even with 35 years under his belt, Steve remains focused on what matters most: people. His greatest pride isn’t just in the Whiskey (though, it’s of the highest-quality and taste), it’s in knowing that those around him are supported and that team Heaven Hill Brands continues to thrive.