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.
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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.
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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!
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Ep 383 – Emilio del Conde: Chupes Finos, Macheé Mezcal, a New Kid on the Block
Emilio del Conde grew up in Tecate, crossing the U.S.-Mexico border every day for school, an experience that shaped the way he sees people, culture, and opportunity. That drive took him from sales and finance to founding Chupes Finos (importer, distributor, and more) in Carrollton, Texas. In this episode, Emilio shares how a passion for collecting mezcal turned into a partnership with Leo Garcia and Macheé Mezcal, while we dive into border culture, entrepreneurship, community, and the connections that great spirits create. It’s an honest, insightful conversation full of great stories—and one that proves Emilio is only getting started.
