Driven by passion and experimentation, started a distilling company with his brother in 2019 to evolve their generational family business. Sold 1000 cases & obtained half a million in sales despite the pandemic, from 3 FTEs to 16. (Michael Earp)

Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode, I interview Michael Earp, the co-founder at Earp Distilling Co, a distilling company based in Newcastle, Australia, with a vision to demystify the world of spirits and offer premium spirits together with food events, education, and some great little experiences. Michael together with his brother decided to open a distillery as the next evolution of their family business.

Earp Distilling Co opened in December 2019 after almost a year of planning and completing the equipment to use. It was a vast beginning but when the pandemic happened, they lost production from March to September. Later in that year, sold 1000 cases and boosted sales, obtaining half a million through events, tasting experience, and bar area, growing the team from 3 FTEs to the current 16.

Michael says that what he loves the most in growing a small business is being part of the team. He enjoyed working with people who work hard and push things to attain their goals. He said, “it's really great to see the team just wanting to go harder, try new things and push things.”

This Cast Covers:

• Evolving a generational family business from supplying quality goods to offering a high-quality spirit to fellow spirit lovers.
• The family business which was established in 1883 has been adapted to the needs of many generations of Australians.
• They have achieved many titles throughout their long history.
• Opening a distillery to have innovation and further expand the family-run business experience.
• Growing it from 3 FTEs to the current 16 and sold 1000 cases in the late months of 2020.
• Obtaining half a million sales in the bar area, events, and tasting experiences.
• The importance of every small business owner learning the process of leadership.
• Constantly struggling with trying to achieve some form of work-life balance.
• The importance of every small business owner, to have the courage to take the right risks so they can be successful.
• How leading the team by example effectively drives them to act in any circumstances.

Additional Resources:

• Earp Distilling Co
• TED Talks
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People By Stephen R. Covey
• The E-Myth Revisited By Michael E. Gerber

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Quotes:

“It's really great to see the team just wanting to go harder, try new things, and push things.” —Michael Earp

“Try to lead the team by example.” —Michael Earp

“We don't tolerate this sort of laziness and poor attitudes.” —Michael Earp

“We all make mistakes but make sure not repeating them over and over again.” —Michael Earp

“Think clearly, live differently. Fight fiercely and stand courageously.” —Michael Earp

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Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cold Funk” by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0