Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaime Windon.
Hi jaime, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Nearly 13 years ago I moved to Saint Michaels and founded the first full-production distillery in Maryland in over 40 years. As a true cane-to-glass operation, every day we transform Louisiana sugarcane (& molasses) into a distinct and unique American rum by hand, in small batches. Our team is incredibly passionate about making rum, and in addition to producing every bottle on site in the Old Mill, we also engage with visitors and rum lovers in a variety of settings: from our spirit shop & tasting room, to farmers markets, events & festivals, to our brand new Golden Hour cocktail room.
I am incredibly proud to be a small-scale manufacturer and to help revive Maryland’s illustrious distilling industry, but my true passion is in hospitality and education and I absolutely love having a space where people gather to learn and enjoy a fabulous rum cocktail.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are no smooth roads in the alcohol industry! 13 years (and counting) of legislative changes: Federal, State and local in order to grow our business and find a viable path forward (working to modernize antiquated liquor laws). Manufacturing challenges continue to grow as supply chains and freight are unreliable and unpredictable, and alcohol is a highly regulated and excessively taxed industry. But yes, obstacles and challenges. All day, every day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am most known for being passionate about people, my community, and the industry. I oversee day-to-day operations at the distillery, manage our team, run sales, tend bar and take care of visitors in our cocktail room, the Golden Hour, book events, work on state regulations with the Maryland Distillers Guild, serve on the American Craft Spirits Association Board to advance Federal Regulations, and serve on countless other local boards and organizations in conjunction with the alcohol/hospitality industry and my local community. My work is varied, and endless! On any given day I am a writer, photographer, bartender, and distillery manager/operator. My background as a working artist is still woven throughout my days. I’ve had many professional lives, and I’ve loved them all.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I think I always felt this, but it’s worth repeating: embrace being new — find ways to leverage your nascency and take risks rather than try to be seen as more established than you are: there is freedom in the beginning of any venture! Also, narrow your focus and give yourself constraints — become an expert in your area rather than try to be everything to everyone. Do what you are best at, find your niche. My favorite definition of sales is: that it is the transfer of enthusiasm; discover what excited you and share it with others. It’s vital to make sure what you create energizes you because otherwise it will drain you. Always hire for passion and enthusiasm vs skill — skill can be taught.
Finally: find ways to continually overdeliver, and make meaningful connections — it’s all we have!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lyonrum.com
- Instagram: lyonrum
- Facebook: lyonrum
