Latest news with #UncleNearest
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Whiskey Founder Fawn Weaver Tariff-Proofed Her Business. Plus: Stop Decision Fatigue From Sabotaging Your Career
This is this week's ForbesWomen newsletter, which every Thursday brings news about the world's top female entrepreneurs, leaders and investors straight to your inbox. Click here to get on the newsletter list! Jamel Toppin for Forbes Two weeks ago, I wrote here about some entrepreneurs who were already feeling the pinch of President Donald Trump's tariffs. Today, I want to tell you about someone who saw the writing on the wall—and who has been spending the last several quarters preparing for the market volatility that has been unfolding all month. Fawn Weaver founded Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey to honor the formerly enslaved master distiller who taught Jack Daniel the secret to making great whiskey. She's turned the company into the most successful Black-owned liquor empire, worth $1.1 billion, and she and I recently got to talk about her strategic approach in taking capital, why she's expanding her company beyond whiskey—think vodka and cognac, the first two stops towards what Weaver envisions as a drinks conglomerate—and of course, tariffs. Weaver told me that she was listening to what Trump said on the campaign trail and even in his first term in office and planned for 2025 based on those comments. 'We should have taken [Trump] at his word: 'I am going to come in here and disrupt everything,'' Weaver said of the business community. What this meant for her business: 'From Q1 of 2024 to Q1 of 2025, we cut our expenses by 40%,' Weaver said, explaining that she also sought to ensure that the glass and cork she needed for Uncle Nearest's products were in America—and that she had access to enough to cover the next two years. She also said that when it came to forecasting Uncle Nearest's 2025 revenue, she instructed her team to take a conservative approach: 'When we forecasted for 2025, by October of last year, we had pulled out all numbers that were in relation to international sales. ALL revenue, because we didn't anticipate any would come in. So for us, if we get international revenue this year, woo hoo, it's a fun bonus.' To see my full conversation with Fawn Weaver, click through here! Cheers! JOSHUA PULLAR VIA BETTERMENT Since the longtime Viacom exec took the reins in 2020, digital investing firm Betterment's been on a buying spree, acquiring four companies over the course of five years. Then the market crashed—but Sarah Levy's approach to business strategy is the same as the advice her firm gives to customers. 'By having a balanced portfolio, you weather the storm,' she says. When expectant fathers face hostility or subtle exclusion at work, the consequences can extend beyond their own careers: A new study finds that the more workplace discrimination an expectant father perceives and experiences, the more likely the mother is to exit the workforce or switch jobs. Fewer women are adopting AI tools at work, even as generative AI products like ChatGPT are rapidly transforming how work gets done. The adoption gap may leave women behind, exacerbating the AI leadership crisis and limiting firms' ability to fully leverage GenAI's productivity potential. A $5,000 'baby bonus' is one of several proposals the White House is reportedly considering amid declining birth rates in the U.S. as it looks to incentivize Americans to have more children. (It's worth noting that this is a fraction of the $20,000 in baby-related expenses families pay, on average, during their child's first year.) Kim Ng made history in 2020 when she was named general manager of the Miami Marlins, becoming the first woman and first Asian-American GM in MLB history. Now, Ng has notched a new leadership role: she's been tapped as the first commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. Pope Francis died earlier this week, at the age of 88. What does this have to do with ForbesWomen? As pontiff of a religion practiced by some 1.4 billion people around the world, Francis elevated more women to Vatican leadership than any of his predecessors. Whether this legacy continues with the next pope remains to be seen. As Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology at Villanova University, told ForbesWomen editor Maggie McGrath in an interview this week, the role of women in the church is an important issue to the cardinals, but not the only factor they will consider when they go into the conclave. 1. Stop decision fatigue from sabotaging your career. From budget approvals and hiring calls to strategy pivots and culture questions, leaders are expected to make high-stakes choices day after day. But what happens when your sharp decision-making starts to slip—not from lack of skill, but from sheer mental overload? 2. Trust your intuition. Bea Dixon, cofounder and CEO of feminine care company The Honey Pot, last year secured a $380 million majority stake in her company from Compass Diversified. But as Dixon shared in this recent ForbesWomen interview, she walked away from offers that were even higher—because to take them would have felt like 'selling her soul.' 3. Ask yourself these 20 questions before beginning a job search. If you're job hunting, one of the biggest missteps you can make is jumping straight into cold applications before taking the time to reflect. Here are the 20 most important questions to ask yourself. April is Financial Literacy Month, and in these uncertain economic times, it's worth following a few key principles when it comes to estate planning. While intricacies like estate and gift taxes are typically only of concern to less than 1% of households, which of the following tips can help any family optimize how they pass on hard-earned wealth?
Buzz Feed
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
I Don't Do The Brown, But Whiskey Might Get My Attention: Let's Try Some Black-Owned Whiskey Brands
I Don't Do The Brown, But Whiskey Might Get My Attention: Let's Try Some Black-Owned Whiskey Brands One thing about me, I don't do brown liquor but when Queen Bey came out with that Sir Davis, I had to try it out. I tried it and baby, it puts hair on that chest – and I have none cause I wax so you know it packs a straight punch. It felt warm, but you can't just throw that thing back. Joyce, Jayden, Nichi, Raven, Selorm, and Red will be our taste testers today. So, let's get into it. After raving about being open to brown liquors as they get older, the first whiskey they try and have to guess is Gentleman's Cut. It's giving grown man whiskey according to Jayden. While the other contestants actually guessed correctly and knew it was Stephen Curry's whiskey, Jayden kept it real and shared the name on the bottle. Cmon staff, let's do better chile. Raven shared how it smells like warm apple pie but Jayden with her sharp takes shares how it reminds her of the candies in your grandmother's purse. All the ladies confirmed it was warm, but it was good and even wanted another cup. Now let's see if they can guess the next owner of the next bottle. The ladies share their sentiments, saying it gave classy and a whiskey of prestige. Sounds like a Black woman made this to me – and one did! Now Selorm questions the name of the whiskey brand, which is Uncle Nearest and wonders why it is a masculine name for a woman bottle? While they couldn't guess the owner of the bottle, Fawn Weaver, they did taste it and Jayden opened up the dialogue by saying at first taste, it's a bit burnt and has a wood taste. After the second option, Raven shares that she's slowly becoming a whiskey girl. Love that for you baby. Red adds she tastes a bit of sharpness in her palette, but the overall consensus is positive. Next is everyone's favorite, D'USSE, and while we won't be driving the boat like Megan Thee Stallion, we are gonna take this to the head. While sharing hilarious observations, calling the bottle 'Medieval Royalty,' Team Nichi and Raven guesses correctly and it's owned by Jay-Z. Mixed consensus, but Joyce shares it went down smoothly. Final whiskey is of course, Sir Davis, and they all knew exactly who owned it, too. As they clink clink and look each other in the eyes, they take their shot and whew, a mixed crowd as some of the ladies were not feeling that strong punch chile. Her cousin, Raven Carter, was not feeling it at all. Selorm, however, shared that it was very savory. After going back and forth on rankings, the ultimate winner is Queen Bey herself with her Sir Davis being ranked as #1. See where the other whiskeys are placed and in the meantime, go order some Black-owned whiskeys cause when you bet on Black, you never go back. That's the saying, right? – Also, Raven, can you hook a brother up with some Cowboy Carter tickets?
Miami Herald
03-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
FAMU announces 2025 commencement speakers
Florida A&M University (FAMU) has announced its keynote speakers for the 2025 Spring Commencement, set for May 2-3 at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, Inc.; Adrienne Brown, group vice president and head of corporate business development at Eli Lilly and Company; and Bernard W. Kinsey, businessman and co-founder of the Kinsey African American Art and History Collection, will address graduates at the ceremonies. Brown will speak on Friday, May 2, at 6 p.m. ET. Kinsey will take the stage on Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m. ET, followed by Weaver at 2 p.m. ET. "We are delighted to host three dynamic speakers who will celebrate our graduates for their individual accomplishments while challenging them collectively to always represent Florida A&M University as they step into the next chapter of their lives," said FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard. "Fawn Weaver, Adrienne Brown, and Bernard Kinsey are corporate and entrepreneurial powerhouses who each embody a powerful message of how tenacity and faith can help order our steps on the ladder of success and beyond." More than 1,100 students from FAMU's 14 schools and colleges will receive degrees during the ceremonies, which will be live-streamed on FAMU's Facebook page and YouTube channel (@FAMUTube1887). Weaver, a best-selling author and TED speaker, is one of only five African American women to found and lead a $1 billion company. Brown, a FAMU alumna, leads corporate strategy and business development at Eli Lilly. Kinsey, a former Xerox executive, co-founded one of the largest collections of African American art and historical documents. The Kinsey Collection has been exhibited worldwide, and the family has raised more than $36 million for charitable causes, including $11 million for FAMU. The post FAMU announces 2025 commencement speakers appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
UNCLE NEAREST, INC. WELCOMES FORMER JACK DANIEL'S PRESIDENT TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Premium Tennessee Whiskey Company Expands Leadership as It Transitions Into a Portfolio Company SHELBYVILLE, Tenn., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the world's most-awarded Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey for six consecutive years (2019-2024), has appointed Mark McCallum, former President of Jack Daniel's and former Chief Brands Officer of Brown-Forman, to its board of directors as an independent director. 'The story nearly writes itself,' said Fawn Weaver, co-founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, Inc. 'Mark McCallum played a pivotal role in transforming Jack Daniel's into the most valuable spirit brand in the world. Now, he is bringing that expertise to the whiskey brand honoring Jack's mentor, teacher, and first master distiller, Nearest Green.' Weaver and McCallum first connected during his tenure as President of Jack Daniel's when she shared her extensive research on Nearest Green's legacy. Recognizing the significance of her findings—including thousands of original artifacts and documents—McCallum advocated for Brown-Forman to update its historical records, ensuring Green's contribution to Jack Daniel's legacy was properly acknowledged. 'As you can imagine, I was navigating an understandably delicate relationship,' said McCallum. 'Fawn was launching a brand that intersected with the rich history of Jack Daniel's, while I was responsible for protecting our trademarks and ensuring we accurately honored our legacy. It was important to acknowledge Nearest Green's role while continuing to grow the Jack brand.' McCallum joined Brown-Forman in 2003 as Chief Marketing Officer before ascending to Chief Operating Officer in 2009. He ultimately served as Executive Vice President and Chief Brands Officer, holding key leadership roles, including EVP and President of EMEA, APAC, Global Travel Retail, and EVP and President of Jack Daniel's Brands. During his tenure, Brown-Forman's market capitalization grew from $5.9 billion to $31.5 billion, with Jack Daniel's driving the significant portion of that growth. Before joining Brown-Forman, McCallum was Chief Marketing Officer at Red Lobster and spent two decades in consumer packaged goods at Campbell Soup Company and Cadbury Schweppes. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Caledonia Spirits, where he has been a board member since 2020, and is also a board member of Grant Sidney, Inc. As Uncle Nearest, Inc. evolves into a full-fledged portfolio company in 2025, it is set to relaunch the bartender-beloved Square One Organic Vodka and debut an all-new cognac brand. The foundation of this new endeavor is the historic Domaine St. Martin chateau and vineyards, acquired in 2023, making Uncle Nearest, Inc. the largest Grande Champagne vineyard owner in the city of Cognac, France. McCallum's addition to the board signals the company's steadfast commitment to global expansion, category leadership, and honoring the legacy of Nearest Green through innovation and excellence. 'When Mark became an investor in Uncle Nearest after retiring from Brown-Forman, we were honored to welcome him as a more than 40-year veteran of consumer packaged goods,' said Keith Weaver, co-founder and president of Uncle Nearest, Inc., who also serves as a board member. Prior to joining Uncle Nearest, Inc., Keith was the Executive Vice President of Sony Pictures Entertainment, overseeing global public policy and external affairs. 'Having spent decades leading some of the most recognized brands in the world, Mark immediately saw something special in what we were building. By his own account, he had never seen a spirits start-up achieve what we had in such a short period, and he wanted to be part of the journey. Now, with a front-row seat at the board table, his deep industry knowledge and strategic guidance will help propel Uncle Nearest into its next phase of growth as we build the next great American brand.' About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey pays tribute to the world's first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the pioneer spirits brand to bear the name of a Black American. The brand's portfolio boasts the Most Awarded Straight Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey titles for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, amassing over 1,450 awards and accolades since its launch in 2017. This includes an impressive 953 Gold medals or higher, which includes 155 Best in Class honors and an average critic's score of 91. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 26 countries, with a presence in more than 45,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Uncle Nearest is also available at its 458-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., now the seventh most visited distillery in the world. For more information, please visit the website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.
Miami Herald
28-01-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
A Conversation with Keith Weaver: The Heart and Vision of Uncle Nearest Distillery
On a recent visit to parts of Tennessee, Ian and I had the opportunity to break bread with Keith Weaver, CEO of Uncle Nearest Distillery during a tour of the historic property in Shelbyville, Tennessee. As the seventh most-visited distillery in the world, Uncle Nearest is far more than a place to sip whiskey—it's a living tribute to a remarkable story of innovation, resilience, and community. Our conversation with Keith revealed his remarkable journey from Hollywood executive to whiskey trailblazer, the profound history behind the Uncle Nearest brand, and the vision that drives this purpose-driven mission. From Hollywood to the Heart of Tennessee Keith Weaver's career pivot is nothing short of extraordinary. After spending 22 years as an Executive Vice President at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Keith made the bold decision to leave the entertainment industry and dedicate himself to preserving the legacy of Nathan 'Nearest' Green. 'My wife, Fawn, and I came across Nearest Green's story eight years ago while living in Singapore,' Keith shares. 'It captivated us—his role as a pioneer, creator, and wealth-builder, all during a time of immense racial inequality.' What began as a fascination with Green's story soon evolved into a full-fledged endeavor. 'Initially, we weren't interested in making whiskey,' Keith admits. 'We were drawn to the historical significance of Nearest Green's role and his relationship with Jack Daniel. But as the story gained momentum, it became clear that this was more than a passion project—it was our calling.' Uncle Nearest: The Story At the heart of Uncle Nearest Distillery lies the story of Nathan 'Nearest' Green, an enslaved man whose mastery of distillation not only shaped American whiskey history but also forged an enduring bond with Jack Daniel, the founder of the Jack Daniel's brand. Nearest Green was a trailblazer—America's first known African American master distiller—who taught Daniel the art of whiskey-making on a farm in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Their relationship transcended the realities of slavery. Jack Daniel, then a young boy, learned distillation under Nearest's guidance and carried forward a profound respect for his teacher's craft and expertise. This mutual respect continued after emancipation, as Nearest Green became the first master distiller for the Jack Daniel Distillery. His family's legacy endured, with several descendants working at the distillery. Despite his monumental contributions, Nearest Green's story faded into obscurity. That changed in 2016, when Fawn Weaver, now CEO of Uncle Nearest, Inc., rediscovered his legacy. A front-page article in the international edition of the New York Times highlighted the connection between Nearest Green and Jack Daniel, prompting Fawn to dive deep into archival records and oral histories. What she uncovered was not just the story of a whiskey pioneer but also a man whose resilience and ingenuity broke barriers during an era that sought to limit him. Moved by Green's story, Fawn and Keith Weaver created Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey to celebrate his legacy and ensure his name became central to the narrative of American whiskey. 'The story of Uncle Nearest isn't just about whiskey,' Keith explains. 'It's about innovation, excellence, and a man who defied the odds to make history.' A Distillery Like No Other Uncle Nearest Distillery is more than a production facility; it's a destination. Nestled on a former Tennessee Walking Horse farm, the site pays homage to its roots while celebrating Green's legacy through immersive experiences. 'This isn't your typical distillery,' Keith says. 'It feels more like the Smithsonian with a distillery attached.' The distillery boasts several unique features, including the world's longest bar, a Guinness World Record-holding creation by Fawn Weaver. Stretching 518 feet, the bar serves as a gathering place where visitors from all walks of life can share stories, celebrate milestones, and enjoy Uncle Nearest's award-winning whiskeys. 'Fawn's vision was to create a space where people could come together and connect,' Keith states. 'The bar is the heart of our distillery.' Visitors can also explore exhibits that delve into the history of Tennessee whiskey, including the state's unique limestone water, the impact of Prohibition, and the agricultural roots of whiskey-making. Outdoor spaces, including horse pastures and walking trails, add a rustic charm that blends seamlessly with the distillery's modern facilities. Rewriting History and Building Bridges Uncle Nearest Distillery challenges the narratives typically associated with the South, celebrating the resilience and achievements of Nearest Green while fostering connections between diverse groups of visitors. 'We're flipping stereotypes and paradigms,' Keith says. 'There's more that unites us than divides us, and this place proves that.' During our conversation, Keith reflects on moments where visitors—often from vastly different backgrounds—discover common ground and inspiration from Uncle Nearest's story during their time at the distillery. 'You'll see people who arrived as strangers sitting together in rocking chairs, sharing stories and happy tears,' he says. The distillery's ability to bridge divides is part of what makes it so special, drawing visitors from around the globe. Challenges and Triumphs While Uncle Nearest thrives in Tennessee, the journey hasn't been without challenges. Keith and Fawn's property on Martha's Vineyard, envisioned as an extension of the Uncle Nearest story, faced resistance from neighbors. 'Before we even set foot there, people assumed wild parties and chaos,' Keith recounts. Despite these hurdles, the couple remains committed to their mission. 'We're staying. We're here to share a story of excellence and belonging,' Keith states resoundingly Entering the spirits industry was also a steep learning curve. 'We didn't know the odds were against us,' Keith admits. 'Sometimes ignorance can be a blessing because it allows you to approach things with boldness and fresh eyes.' Fawn Weaver's Vision: A Bar That Unites The world's longest bar at Uncle Nearest is not just a record-breaker but a powerful symbol of community. Fawn Weaver's vision for the 518-foot masterpiece was about more than scale; it was about creating a space where people could connect. Whether sipping whiskey, celebrating milestones, or sharing stories, visitors experience a sense of unity that reflects the values of Uncle Nearest. 'Fawn wanted the bar to embody the spirit of Uncle Nearest—a place where people feel welcome and inspired,' Keith says. The bar, along with the distillery's expansive grounds and thoughtful design, exemplifies the inclusive spirit that defines the brand. A Love Letter to History and Hospitality The Weavers' vision for Uncle Nearest continues to grow, with plans for agritourism experiences, boutique accommodations, and immersive storytelling elements. Their goal is to make the distillery a place where visitors can return time and again, discovering something new with each visit. 'This is a love letter to American history and Tennessee history,' Keith says. 'We want people to feel connected to something bigger.' Lessons in Legacy For Keith, leading Uncle Nearest has been as much a personal journey as a professional one. 'I've learned to appreciate the step I'm on,' Keith shares. 'This is a marathon without a finish line, and every step is worth savoring.' Asked whom he'd share a bottle of Master Blend with, Keith chose his great-grandmother, Odia. 'She was a maid for the Max Factor family in Beverly Hills, and she carried herself with such elegance and pride,' Keith says 'I'd love to hear her stories and learn more about her journey.' A Legacy Worth Toasting The Weaver's have transformed Uncle Nearest into more than a whiskey brand—it's a movement, a legacy, and a testament to what's possible when passion and purpose align. Whether it's for the world-class whiskey, the rich history, or the unparalleled sense of community, Uncle Nearest Distillery brings people together—one sip at a time. Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick are contributors to DETOUR and the founders of World Footprints, a multi-award-winning social impact travel storytelling content hub.
