We had the good fortune of connecting with KEVIN JOHN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi KEVIN, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started this journey with my Father, Levi John back in 2015. I crashed coursed a century old industry in 2 and a half years before I put our first bottle on the shelf. There’s a multitude of things to execute on before going to market: Production, Brand Story, Label design, Federal and State regulations. License and Permits. Distribution, Marketing, Route to market(s). The list goes on. Before I realized all the front end work required, in retrospect, I approached the partnership with Dad with more heart than knowledge of the adult beverage world. I saw it as an opportunity for us to start a family business and if it goes well, we craft our legacy in the world of spirits. Outside of being a consumer and asking for top shelf vodka it was all the  business knowledge I had. I was as green as they come but eager to learn and wise enough to research everything.

What should our readers know about your business?

IslandJon Vodka – platinum and triple-gold award-winning brand. Founded by Father-Son team, Levi and Kevin John. It’s a Caribbean-inspired vodka, a first of its kind, produced and bottled in New Port Richey FL. We ventured into the Bev Alc space to offer something unique, sexy, and top-tiered at a valued price. Our award-winning New Richey Reserve vodka is accompanied by our flavorful expressions: the Double-Gold winning Apple Gwayav (Guava infused vodka), our extremely popular Mango Peach and our soon to be released for the holidays the delightful Coconut Vanilla. Our innovation of flavor blends and processes has allowed us to stand out from our competitors.

I’m most proud of our team and their unwavering desire to tap into the company’s vision. To go out into the market every day, to be in the trenches each weekend with passion and the tenacity to share our story with our next loyal customer.

It was not easy. We encountered and thankfully overcame a lot of adversity. Cashflow is always a concern as a start-up. Weathering storms such as COVID-19. High Inflationary periods, Supply chain shortages, etc. I personally made it a point that our company will not be a casualty of COVID-19. On April 29th 2020, Governor Kemp, decided to move into Phase1 from being in lock-down for nearly 60 days. This was my make or break moment. I didn’t care if there was two Godzillas outside blowing fire, I was going to get IslandJon in peoples hands. It gave me an opportunity to put the company on solid ground. Jan, 2020 was also the year I ended my full-time career. The environment wasn’t ideal to stop a 13 year career and go into unknown space with a new house, wife and kids.

The lesson: if you want something bad enough, do it with a pure heart, knowing the universe will attract the people, things, and team required to bless your path. You will always grow more leaders from behind than leading from the front. And lastly, know your numbers! They will never lie to you.

I want to World to know that listening to your inner voice that whispers deep into your soul is your calling. Many people ignore and are afraid to step out on faith.  At your core, you must believe in self, to execute. You have one story to write and every few pages starts a new chapter.

IslandJon Vodka was founded on love and a desire to build a legacy, Not only for our family but for every person that believed in us, enjoyed our products, and cheered for us along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Let’s start at some bars that serves IslandJon Vodka cocktails:

Bar44
Fin & Feathers all 4 locations
Knife Buckhead
Apt 4B – Brunch is Incredible
Richey Beach – Poolside Cabanas and great vibes
Social House – Chef Joe kills it here with great tapas

Polaris Skyline at Hyatt Regency

Come up Hwy 400 to visit Avalon in Alpharetta, check out Atlanta Botanical Garden, Slutty Vegan is an experience. Fox Theater, JR Crickets, Shops of Buckhead…

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m going to give some self-love to the guy in the mirror that wakes up every day to fight the good fight. It’s important to have the courage to give yourself a pat on the back simply because outside your walls no one sees the frustrations, tears, arguments, and mental battles you fight through just to go another day, week, month, and year. Shoutout to Kevin! Way to go… keep going!

Website: www.islandjon.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/islandjonvodka

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/kevinjohn

Twitter: www.twitter.com/islandjonvodka

Facebook: www.facebook.com/islandjonvodka

Youtube: www.youtube.com/islandjonvodka

Image Credits
Photo by: Alfred Dixon of Shyne Photos

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