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Welcome to ProCNKT Weekly

Every Monday we Highlight a small business or entrepreneur in our “Spotlight” section. And update you as needed on the ProCNKT website.

Table of Contents

• The Spotlight!

• Lionheart Whiskey Co.

• TRUiC

  • Sponsor

• ProCNKT Updates.

The Spotlight!

For this weeks issue we’ve chosen to Spotlight….

Lionheart Whiskey Co.

Where do I start with Lionheart… I could talk about the incredible atmosphere, the astounding knowledge, and the passion for whiskey from the owners and staff. But I think it will work best if I take the time to describe my day at Lionheart Whiskey Co.

After a great drive through the deep woods at the edge of the Ozarks, I started to cross the Missouri River and caught a glimpse of Hermann, MO’s historic district. The town of 2,185, established in 1837, oozes charm from every worn brick and cobble. Sitting on the south bank of the Missouri, the town sprawls over the small hill. With boutiques and eateries in every door and alley of the old steadfast town, it’s hard to decide where to start your exploration. Luckily for me, I had nothing but time and a special endpoint in mind. First, Espresso Laine, for a truly great cappuccino and a surprise conversation with a well-mannered, motorcycle-riding, espresso-drinking, quality control specialist from Cuba, MO… You never know what interesting strangers you might get to meet. After visiting some other shops and getting some chocolate-covered coffee beans from Sugar Momma’s candy store, it was time to do what I came for: visit Lionheart Whiskey Co.

If the opportunity ever comes up where it is not just accepted but mandatory to “drink on the job,” I would not let it pass. I nearly bounded up the short steps to the stately brick building. Inside, I was greeted by my host, Marie Newell, and her brilliant staff. To say they knew their product inside and out would be an understatement. I was first given an overview of the product lineup: four different bottles, all unique and special in their own way. Currently, their lineup includes Single Barrel Rye, Small Batch Rye, 8-Year-Old American Whiskey Barbados Rum Cask Finish, and an Experimental EW-01 Brazilian Amburana Cask Finish. A nearly all-rye lineup adds a level of uniqueness that sets Lionheart apart from its contemporaries who mostly play in the bourbon world.

Sadly, the mastermind behind the operation, Clayton Newell, was absent on my visit. He and their brand manager were out spreading the good word of Lionheart Whiskey to others in Missouri.

After a tasting flight and an in-depth tour of the building, I was greatly impressed. I loved enjoyed getting to know their process and learning things about whiskey distillation I never would have imagined. Like, did you know you need SEVEN SINKS? Yeah, me neither. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the regulatory headaches.

You’d never know from looking, that the doors have only officially been open since 2022. The team at Lionheart has developed a brand identity to a level of professionalism that major legacy brands would be envious of. From a cohesive product offering to building decor and aesthetic, a lineup of season cocktails, tasting sessions and more. Since starting this journey over ten years ago, Clayton and Marie have pushed forward and persevered to create not only a truly great product but a fantastic community and an experience you simply can’t afford to miss. Lionheart Whiskey Co. encapsulates what whiskey truly is and what its best at. A lubricant for great conversation and fellowship.

For a whiskey nerd like myself, Lionheart Whiskey Co. will be appointment viewing from now on. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. If you find yourself in Hermann, even if whiskey isn’t your thing, its worth dropping by to see.

TRUiC

Once upon a time in the bustling world of startups, a group of passionate entrepreneurs came together to create something truly special. They called it TRUiC (The Really Useful Information Company), and their mission was to make entrepreneurship accessible to everyone. They envisioned a world where anyone with a dream could find the resources and tools they needed to succeed.

But, as with any great adventure, the path to success was filled with challenges. First, they had to figure out if their idea was even worth pursuing. Establishing product-market fit was like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the haystack was on fire, and the needle kept moving. They conducted endless research and adapted their offerings to meet the ever-changing demands of their target market.

Next came the quest for funding. They had to navigate the complexities of investor meetings, pitch decks, and financial projections. But with determination and a bit of charm, they managed to secure the funds needed to keep their dream alive.

As TRUiC grew, scaling their operations became a Herculean task. They needed to hire the right talent, expand their infrastructure, and maintain quality while growing rapidly. It was like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle – challenging, but not impossible.

TRUiC’s offerings were diverse and invaluable. They provided free, state-specific information for every step of the small business journey, from forming an LLC to creating a business plan. Their suite of AI-powered business tools included a business name generator and a QR code generator, designed to give entrepreneurs a competitive edge. They also offered informational guides and resources to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses.

The entrepreneurial landscape was constantly evolving, and TRUiC had to stay agile. Adapting to market changes, new trends, and competitor actions was like playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. But their innovative approach and user-centric focus kept them ahead of the curve.

Building and maintaining a strong team was another challenge. Attracting and retaining talented individuals who shared their mission and values. But with a bit of magic and a lot of hard work, they built a cohesive team that was ready to take on the world.

Despite these challenges, TRUiC’s journey was filled with triumphs. They expanded their offerings, received positive feedback from users, and solidified their position as a go-to resource for entrepreneurs. Their story is a testament to the resilience and determination required to thrive in the entrepreneurial world.

A huge thank you to this weeks Sponsor! We love bringing you unique and inspiring stories every week. And supporting them is supporting us! Go give them a click and a follow to help make this possible!

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Cheers to good business and great people!

-Donagan Anderson, founder of ProCNKT and Editor of ProCNKT Weekly