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Investor Connect Podcast


Investor Connect is for investors interested in learning more about investing in startup and growth stage companies. Experienced investors share their experiences and advice with those who are considering an investment into startups and growth companies. It includes a podcast series of interviews with investors to inform others about the process of funding startups as well as a resource list and a discussion board.  

Topics include sourcing, analyzing, and researching companies. Other topics include valuations, terms Sheets, board of directors, board of advisors, due diligence, syndicates, venture capital, angels, angel networks, family offices, crowdfunding, exits, and more.

Investor Connect is a community program. We welcome your suggestions for speakers and topics which you can send to us through the Contact page. No registration is required to use the resources.  Discussion boards are available to post and answer questions about startups and growth company investing through which registration is required.

Investor Connect is a program under the Texas Open Angel Network which is a 501(c3) non-profit dedicated to the education around startup funding.

Disclaimer: Hall T. Martin is the Director of Investor Connect which is dedicated to the education of investors for early stage funding. All opinions expressed by Hall and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Investor Connect. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Nov 27, 2020

In this episode, Hall welcomes Kevin Keck, President of J.J. Pfister Distilling Company.

With its headquarters in Sacramento, California, J. J. Pfister is a fast-growing premium craft spirit producer in Sacramento that produces top-quality spirits. The company has been well established and has incredibly effective sales and marketing strategies.

The J.J. Pfister story spans more than 150 years, beginning with a humble knitting company. The J.J. Pfister logo, a combination of a knitting machine and a copper still, marries their past, present, and future as they carry on the tradition of excellence started by J.J. Pfister in the late 1800s. Their master distiller holds two degrees in chemistry and a Master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis, the premier program for winemaking. 

The craft spirit space is booming, mirroring the success of craft breweries as consumers seek a more individualized tasting experience. Currently, craft spirits represent a $2.7B market in the U.S. — and the market is slated to grow explosively to $20B by 2023. J.J. Pfister is uniquely positioned for success in this market as the ONLY craft spirit producer in the Greater Sacramento area. 

Kevin has 10 years of experience in the C Suite of two different billion-dollar companies. His leadership transformed one from money-losing to healthy margins. He has degrees in engineering and managed the creation of the distillery from idea to operations in 2 years. He is a Pfister and has the same entrepreneurial zest as his great grandfather, J.J. Pfister.

In this interview, Kevin shares with Hall the company's history, which spans over 170 years. He also discusses the growth rate and some of the challenges in the sector.

You can visit J.J. Pfister Distilling Company at www.jjpfister.com, and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/jj-pfister-distilling-company-llc/about/.    

Kevin can be contacted via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-keck-b280611a6/, and via email at kevin.keck@jjpfister.com