#WhyNotMe GBC Entrepreneur Spotlight: Martin Reid, Co-founder, Reid’s Distillery
As we enter Global Entrepreneurship Week, we celebrate entrepreneurs who have built global companies that have an economic impact on our local communities. We caught up with Martin Reid, co-founder, Reid’s Distillery who has built a dynamic family business, based on taking his love for British gin, but wanting to create a recognisable Canadian product respected for its quality, taste, and branding.
About Martin Reid, Co-founder, Reid’s Distillery
Martin spent 30+ years in Financial Services in a senior leadership role. In 2017 he decided that he wanted to work for himself and drive his own destiny. Consulting with his three adult children and having his daughter introduced him to the world of gin in the UK, they decided to launch ‘Reid’s Distillery’. After a year and a half of planning and building out their space, they launched in 2019, ten months prior to the pandemic. The vision was to “take the world of gin beyond a level ever thought possible and have fun doing it”. Stickhandling through COVID they managed to win several awards for Reid’s Distillery gins as well for their design and branding. Now with COVID behind us, Reid’s Distillery is set on becoming Canada’s premier Gin.
Academic Background
BA in Economics - York University
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
The creativity and notion of building something from scratch is very exciting. It's also exhausting with the number of decisions that need to be made but there is a wonderful sense of accomplishment when things come together.
Why did you create your business?
To elevate the world of gin and have fun doing it. I love building something from the ground up and working with my three adult kids although a challenge at times has been a wonderful experience.
What successes have you enjoyed so far with building your company?
Working with my three kids is a big one. Also winning some international awards for our gins is exciting for a relatively new business. And of course, surviving the pandemic as a small business just starting out is a huge success.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Make lots of mistakes but make sure they are for the right reasons - because you are stretching and learning and trying new things. Make sure there aren't mistakes that will sink the business.
Any books, videos or podcasts you would recommend?
Podcasts: TED Business, The GaryVee Audio Podcast
Books: "Start with Why" - Simon Sinek, "Unreasonable Hospitality" - Will Guidara
Any entrepreneur support organisations you would recommend?
BDC - https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools
Finals thoughts you would like to share.
Celebrate your highs... often we don't pause to do that. Work hard and be persistent. The rewards are worth it!
Website and Socials
Website: https://www.reidsdistillery.com
Instagram: @reidsdistillery - https://www.instagram.com/reidsdistillery/
Facebook: @reidsdistillery - https://www.facebook.com/reidsdistilleryinc/
LinkedIn: @reidsdistillery - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reidsdistillery/
