From touring musician to tech professional to agave spirits entrepreneur, Marcus Pina’s journey has been anything but conventional. We explore his life shaped by military moves, European adventures, Seattle’s music scene, and a fascination with Mexico. Marcus shares how he discovered mezcal, partnered with master producer José Alberto, and built Creador Spirits around authenticity, craftsmanship, and lasting relationships. We chat about traditional production methods, the evolving agave industry, and why building something meaningful matters more than chasing a quick exit.
-
-
Ep 388 – Carlos Mendez Blas: Home is Where the Mezcal Is
Carlos Mendez Blas never planned to spend his life making mezcal. After leaving Oaxaca to pursue a career as a pilot, family circumstances brought him home, where he transformed a small family palenque into one of the industry’s most respected operations. We talk about leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the responsibility of carrying on a family legacy while staying true to yourself. It’s an honest conversation about purpose, growth, and why the most meaningful journeys are often the ones you never expected to take.
-
Ep 387 – Luis Niño de Rivera: You’re Gonna Love It
Luis Niño de Rivera, CEO of Mezcal Amaras, joins me for a conversation about leadership, mentorship, and building one of the world’s most respected mezcal brands. We explore entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, and the importance of staying curious, while diving into the diversity of mezcal and the people who bring it to life. It’s an engaging discussion about purpose, craftsmanship, and why the best leaders never stop learning.
-
Ep 384 – Pablo Antinori: The Story of Socorro Tequila
Pablo Antinori’s journey has taken him from Argentina and Bolivia to Texas, with stops in restaurants, Tuscany, distribution, and ultimately co-founding Socorro Tequila. We talk about adapting to constant change, building friendships across cultures, entrepreneurship, and why optimism has shaped every step of his career. Along the way, we dive into tequila, hospitality, innovation, and what it takes to build a brand with purpose in a crowded market. It’s a fun, honest conversation about resilience, opportunity, and making the most of every chapter. And keep your eyes peeled for the new Still Strength version!
