Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Irving.
Josh, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My business partner Pablo and I bonded over arguing about the qualities of tequila at our favorite East Dallas bars. Being in the industry for so long starting as bartenders, sales associates and working our way up we’ve seen and pitched for about every tequila on the market. We would drink different tequilas while discussing who makes the best, our favorite distilleries, where the best agave is born, and so on. With all the pros and cons for each product the arguments and discussions sparked a passion, an idea and now a business. One day Pablo interjected into one of our many passionate conversations with “let’s stop talking about tequila and just make it”.
Over the next year and a half of us going back and forth to every Jalisco distillery possible, we not only created our favorite tequila, but discovered what we wanted the goal of our business to be: giving back. We went to Jalisco with the intent of creating the best tequila Texas has ever seen not to be philanthropic, but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “you’d be a fool to ignore what inspires you”
Our tequila is named Socorro, which translates to “Help or Assistance” which came from our love for the culture and people of Mexico. During our time there we discovered that one of the things we take for granted in Texas is something so simple – water. We can have water whenever we want but that’s not the case in certain areas of Mexico. There is a real scarcity and we wanted to help. So, for every case of tequila we sell, we donate a case of water to different orphanages, nursing homes or communities. The Socorro logo consists of three simple symbols to tell our story: water, helping hands, agave, and on the top of every bottle a label that reads, “Case for a Case”.
We went from two guys in the industry of East Dallas debating about tequila to making our own to ultimately finding a whole new purpose for life: giving back to communities who are less fortunate than ours. It’s been an incredible experience and we are so excited for the future growth and change that we will see one bottle at a time.
As you will find out, Pablo and I are very very different people. However, at the core of both of us you will find very similar goals, aspirations, and character qualities. Being humble, working hard, and always grasping on to anything that inspires us is what makes our business successful. We are not the celebrities here nor will we ever be a “celebrity backed” brand, our stars of this company are the kids and it will always simply remain as the kids.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
This is mine and Pablo’s first business. The list of obstacles and challenges are endless. In a very humble way, I feel that I am the best amateur of being an Attorney, CPA, Importer, Global buyer, etc. The list of things learned and obstacles overcome has been incredible. These “obstacles” seem impossible but we never know as humans how strong we really are until we are pushed beyond what is comfortable. We were just two guys working for the spirits industry now we are head first in the game and learning every step of the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Our Agave Spirits company prides itself in highlighting Mexico’s culture, craftsmanship, and history by bringing to life the best products for people to enjoy. I am proud of my wife, kids, family, and company. My daily focus is to give 100% towards anything I do. If I cannot give 100%, the day is lost. Time is the most valuable currency. From the company as a whole, we are focused on giving tribute to Mexico’s culture and traditions and our end goal is to become Texas’s #1 Tequila. When you think Texas and Tequila we want you to think of Socorro. We are a Texas brand focused on giving back and we will work to expand our values, mission etc. Yes, sales are important but we focus more on the quality of who we are, what we provide to the public and how we can continue giving back.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
People are the most important investment you can make as a business owner.
Coming up on two years, we have watched the kids in the orphanages we visit go from babies to running around and we leave in tears every time we visit. Pablo was once asked “if you were on top of the tallest mountain in the world with the biggest microphone and could say anything you wanted to and the entire world population could hear you, what would it be?” He simply replied, “go do something selfless. It will change everything you thought you knew about life, love and happiness.”
Pricing:
- Socorro Blanco-$32.99
- Socorro Reposado-$36.99
- Socorro Anejo-$39.99
- Soledad 8-year-$139.99
- Jalisco 1562 Orange Liqueur-$22.99
Contact Info:
- Email: INFO@IANDAAGAVESPIRITS.COM
- Website: www.IANDAAGAVESPIRITS.com
- Instagram: @SOCORROTEQUILA
- Facebook: SOCORRO TEQUILA
- Youtube: Socorro Tequila
