Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Dessel and Tom McGowan
Thanks for sharing your story with us. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
BILL: For years, I have been involved in building brands and making products for other people, but I eventually came to the realization that I wanted to create and build a brand myself. I saw an opportunity after spontaneously buying a restaurant, which got me into the hospitality industry. Through the restaurant, I noticed a lack of innovation in spirits and thought of the idea to create a lighter, more refreshing product, that would allow people to truly enjoy life to the fullest. After teaming up with my longtime friend, Tom McGowan, the concept of KEEL Vodka was born.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
TOM: I can definitively say the road to the fruition of KEEL has been anything but smooth, and I can just as definitively say that it has been a ton of fun!
Having an industry changing “premium light spirit” has made dealing with the TTB (Government arm in charge of alcohol) very trying in the early days, especially in-regards to creating our label, and pushing to have the nutritional facts on every bottle. However, we persevered, and KEEL was the first vodka to include that information on every bottle sold.
Another struggle is being an industry changer, which means you have to make sure the consumer realizes “who we are”, “what we represent”, and “how we can fit into their lives”. Finding out how to relate to consumers is a marketing challenge for sure, but once the idea hits home, there is what we call the “a-ha” moment which makes all the hard work worth it!! You must believe in your product and brand in order to be successful.
Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
BILL: What sets us apart is that with KEEL, we’re not only creating a brand but developing an emerging category, resulting in the nation’s first premium light spirit. I’m proud of how far we’ve come in only a few years. With all these emerging trends in the industry and people being more aware of the importance of living a balanced lifestyle, we couldn’t have created this brand at a better time. It all just makes sense.
What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc
TOM: I grew up in the classic middle-class Irish family in Rhode Island. My dad was the athletic director for my city’s high schools, so even though we had very little money, I was immersed and surrounded by sports my entire childhood which was perfect for me. My parents worked their entire lives to make sure my brother and my sisters had wonderful opportunities. They got me through Boston College which is where I met Billy, and probably, whether we know it or not, KEEL was born!
Pricing:
- $19.99 for a 750 ml bottle
- $29.99 for a 1.75L bottle
Contact Info:
- Website: www.keelvodka.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keelvodka/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keelvodka
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KEELVodka
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