Today we’d like to introduce you to Jody Turnbow.
Hi Jody, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have 35 years of experience in the alcohol beverage industry and have worked for the largest and best family businesses in the US. During those years I have directly or indirectly managed every state and been part of building some of the largest brands in the adult beverage industry. During all those years the best part is helping build peoples careers, and that is how I met John Dallager. John and I both worked at E&J Gallo and he worked for me at Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits. I hired John back to SGWS, he is a talented hard working professional that is always thinking how to improve himself and his assignment. John presented the idea of Toucan to me, and we began that day working to make this idea/dream a reality. One of those steps was to approve his tuition reimbursement to get his MBA, another story. John and I agreed that I would come and run the company once we were ready to launch. My business lane is sales and distribution. I am setting up the US network and responsible for all sales. I am excited about the opportunity to build a truly innovated brand, that over delivers to consumers.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting your own business quickly teaches you that no one operates on your schedule. We’ve faced unforeseen obstacles, delays, and setbacks since day one. Securing approvals in each state we operate in has been a lengthy process, taking anywhere from one week to six months. Component delays have also impacted production and sales. Furthermore, navigating distributor contracts has been more time-consuming than anticipated, and their individual motivations sometimes lead to differing sales approaches.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the Route to Market/Sales expert, I select the states and distributors that will represent Toucan. I’ve sold directly or indirectly in every state, building long-lasting relationships throughout my career that I’m now leveraging to establish and grow the Toucan network. I’m most proud of these relationships. While I’ve been part of building mega-brands that have since become irrelevant due to changing consumer tastes, I know that relationships remain consistently valuable. With the alcohol industry contracting since COVID, distributors are hesitant to take on new, unproven brands. However, my existing relationships have opened doors to some of our best partners. My deep industry experience and time in senior executive roles have exposed me to some of the most successful and influential people in the industry.
How do you think about luck?
No such thing as luck, when it works it is when hard work and preparation meets opportunity. The closest association to the term luck in my opinion is Blessings. I have worked hard to over deliver results and blessed to have mentors, friends and family support me along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://toucancocktails.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toucancocktails
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toucancocktails
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-turnbow-6008a11
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@toucancocktails
Image Credits
Meredith Turnbow help with tasting
Ryan Welborn A&B Distributors
