Shows
Profits on PurposeSE01E33 Depth over Premature Scale | Black Leaf Vodka | Kevin Larkai and Monté BurrowKevin Larkai and Monté Burrow are the co-founders of Black Leaf Vodka, the first French organic vodka company in the United States. Their journey from a chance meeting in Cognac, France to building an award- winning spirits brand is a masterclass in resourcefulness, strategic focus, and the power of complementarypartnerships.In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of scaling a capital-intensive business with limited resources.Kevin and Monté share candid insights on navigating the three-tier distribution system, managing inventory with long lead times, and making tough prioritization decisions when opportunities fa...
2026-02-2536 min
The Sipping Point: Wine, Food & More!Blackleaf Vodka Founders on Building an Organic, Sustainable Spirits Brand + Holiday Cocktail IdeasLooking for last minute gift ideas? Visit TheWineCoachClub.com for Laurie's Wine Picks & Packs. Use Code FORSTERCOACH for free shipping.Don't forget that experiences last longer than things...check out Laurie's Event Calendar for some great upcoming events in February, March and beyond!In this episode, Laurie sits down with Kevin Larkai and Monté Burrow, co-founders of Blackleaf Vodka, to talk about what it really takes to build an organic vodka brand in a crowded spirits market. From the story behind the Blackleaf n...
2025-12-1724 min
Diversity DiscourseBreaking Barriers in Spirits: Blackleaf Organic Vodka is Redefining Luxury and SustainabilityIn this conversation, Kevin Larkai and Monté Burrow, the founders of Black Leaf Organic Vodka, discuss their journey in creating the first French organic vodka in the U.S., emphasizing their commitment to sustainability, overcoming barriers in the spirits industry, and the importance of cultural authenticity. They share insights on the challenges faced as Black entrepreneurs, the significance of their accolades, and offer advice to other underrepresented founders. The discussion highlights their vision for the future and the importance of consistency in growth.
2025-05-0527 min
2025-02-0958 min
Tip of the TongueTip of the Tongue Episode 206: Nearest & JackThe Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative is a project of Jack Daniel Distillery and the Nearest Green Distillery to further diversity within the American whiskey industry. Both companies are supporting it equally with an initial combined pledge of $5 million to help create the Nearest Green School of Distilling, develop the Leadership Acceleration Program (LAP) for apprenticeships and establish the Business Incubation Program (BIP), focused on providing expertise and resources to African Americans entering the spirits industry as entrepreneurs. This program is exciting and seems to be meaningful. We talk to Katherine Jerkens from Uncle Nearest , Amit Singh, and...
2023-12-0433 min
The Liquid EntrepreneurHOW TO BUILD A LIQUOR BRAND FROM A SIDE HUSTLE with KEVIN LARKAI : ep1How one man’s side hustle swept him form his 9-to-5 to become a liquor brand entrepreneur.Looking for a little motivation in determining if it’s time for you to jump all in and commit to your side hustle? In this candid interview, Monté Burrow speaks with Kevin Larkai who shares his journey from a career in Finance to launching Blackleaf Organic Vodka, a multi-award winning and the first French organic vodka on the market. He discusses the impact of mindset, the power or resourcefulness, and the value of leaning into support as he grew the brand a...
2023-03-071h 04
Jay Raised UsSuccess feat. Kevin Larkai - Ep 023Song: Success (Ft. Nas)
Album: American Gangsta
Lyrics: https://genius.com/Jay-z-success-lyrics
Synopsis: The Mighty Mos and Frankie G are back. Today we are interviewing Kevin Larkai, founder of BlackLeaf Organic Vodka. In this episode we discuss how Kevin initially met the master distillers of the vodka on a chance encounter in France, and how he convinced the distiller he was the right person to bring the brand to the public. Kevin also gives insight into how one goes about getting a new liquor brand onto the shelves of stores, and whats next for...
2021-03-181h 00