School for Startups Radio
Adam von Gootkin – Founder & Chairman of Highclere Castle Spirits [https://highclerecastlegin.com/] People are not drinking the average or middle of the road things. When they do have a cocktail, they want the best. Adam von Gootkin is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of several internationally recognized luxury brands, including Highclere Castle Spirits. Drawing on a family legacy in the spirits industry that dates back to the 1800s, Adam has built a career around creating premium products rooted in authenticity, history, and craftsmanship. His entrepreneurial heritage includes generations of distillers and risk-takers, including a great-grandfather who operated a Prohibition-era speakeasy and shipping business along the Connecticut River. Adam first gained national recognition as co-founder of Onyx Spirits Co., an award-winning craft distillery that introduced America’s first ultra-premium moonshine and helped revive whiskey production in New England. His entrepreneurial journey and approach to brand building were chronicled in his book, Living Proof: Onyx Moonshine’s Journey to Revive the American Spirit, which explores the challenges and rewards of launching and scaling a consumer brand in a highly competitive industry. In 2017, Adam partnered with the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, owners of Highclere Castle, the historic estate known worldwide as the setting for Downton Abbey. Together they launched the Highclere Castle Cigar Company, followed by Highclere Castle Spirits in 2019. The company’s flagship product, Highclere Castle Gin, has earned more than 180 international awards and helped establish the brand as one of the fastest-growing luxury spirits companies in its category, achieving a valuation approaching $40 million within a few years of launch. Beyond his business ventures, Adam serves on numerous corporate and philanthropic boards and advisory councils. He is a founding trustee of the Royal Ethiopian Trust, an advisor to His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie, a member of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust advisory network, and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Recognized as a Connecticut 40 Under 40 honoree, Adam is also a sought-after keynote speaker who has been featured by Bloomberg, Forbes, Fortune, NBC, ABC, and other major media outlets. Through all of his ventures, Adam remains focused on building global luxury brands that celebrate heritage, provenance, sustainability, and authentic storytelling while creating long-term value for consumers, partners, and investors. Terry James [https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryejames/] – Founder of offleash’d [https://www.linkedin.com/company/74897391/] and Nibble and Wag [https://nibbleandwag.com/] They have this unique, special thing that they can do, right, where you take them to a dog park, you have the ability to connect with people maybe you would never normally have a conversation with. Terry James is an entrepreneur, business leader, and founder of both Offleash’d and Nibble and Wag, two innovative companies focused on improving the lives of pets and the people who love them. As CEO and Co-Founder of Offleash’d, Terry is building an AI-powered social ecosystem designed to help pet parents create meaningful relationships, find community, and combat the growing challenges of loneliness and social isolation. Through technology, events, and real-world engagement, Offleash’d is creating new ways for pet owners to connect with one another while strengthening the bond they share with their pets. Before entering the pet industry, Terry built a successful 25-year career in wealth management, sales leadership, and real estate development. He earned recognition as a National Sales Director Award winner at Morgan Stanley, placing him among the firm’s top performers, and later served as a Wealth Manager at UBS. Over the course of his career, he has been involved in more than $500 million in real estate transactions and development projects, gaining extensive experience in leadership, business growth, strategic planning, and relationship building. Terry also serves as Founder and CEO of Nibble and Wag, a pet food company dedicated to providing trusted, affordable nutrition while fostering stronger connections within the pet community. His vision for both companies is rooted in the belief that pets play a unique role in bringing people together and improving quality of life. Recognized for his entrepreneurial leadership and innovation, Terry was featured on the cover of Top 100 Innovators and Entrepreneurs Magazine. Today, he combines decades of experience in finance, real estate, technology, and brand development to create businesses that leverage technology for a greater purpose. His mission is to build communities where both pets and people thrive, proving that stronger human connections often begin with the companionship of a beloved pet.
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