Fired distributor spread rumors
“They basically went and told all their accounts, oh, this company is dissolving, they're no longer going to be available.”
Founder conversation
How Spirit of Texas Bought $500K of Retail Whiskey for $40K and Took a Deal
Founder Shaun Siems explains how Spirit of Texas Brewstillery moved from distributors to its tasting room, bought bankrupt distillery whiskey, and said yes to an equipment-backed loan offer from Nathan.
Shaun Siems · Spirit of Texas Brewstillery
Published July 15, 2026About this resource
Explore the lesson. Sign in to access the resource library.
What you’ll learn
Shaun Siems, founder of Spirit of Texas Brewstillery in Pflugerville, Texas, explains how his craft rum, whiskey and beer business moved from relying on distributors to selling in its tasting room. He also describes buying bankrupt distillery whiskey for about $40,000 that retails above $500,000, and Nathan offers a loan backed by equipment that the founders agree to.
Read the source passagesKey moments
Find the ideas you need and go straight to the source.
Carnival shelf versus menu placement
“We are on their shelf, as one of their premium rums, but we're not necessarily on their menus. So to get the menu placement, that's where you're gonna be doing the hundreds of thousands of dollars in spins.”
Buying whiskey from a failing distillery
“I think we stepped into a loophole in the market by purchasing this whiskey from a distillery that's going under. I literally was able to purchase those barrels of whiskey for what it cost me to purchase the barrels empty.”
Why Nathan collateralizes at two times
“look, I'll lend you a $100,000, collateralize it two x. So go find $200,000 worth of equipment. If you don't pay me back on time, I take the equipment.”
The use of funds test
“I'll give you $100,000 today and you pay back $130,000 in the next twenty four months. Do you have a use of funds that you could take $100,000 today and make more than $30,000 over the next two years?”
Resource files
- Watch video
Video
Shaun Siems
Founder · Spirit of Texas Brewstillery
More founder interviews
- How Casa Washa Grew a Power Washing Side Hustle From $175K and Took a $50K Debt Deal
Jet · Casa Washa
- How GameOn! ATX Built a $1.9M Game Show Business and Left Without a Deal
Jakeb White · GameOn! ATX
- How Borderless Hospitality Grew to $80K a Month in Catering and Took a $50K Deal
Brett Altman · Borderless Hospitality
- How Big Tex Gym Grew From a $5K Buyout to $785K and Turned Down an $80K Deal
Rob Impastato · Big Tex Gym
- How Putt Pub Built a $1.1M Mini Golf Bar and Took a $50K Deal
Reilly Hursley · Putt Pub
- How East Austin Succulents Fell From $1.2M to $300K After a Move and Got No Deal
Eric Pedley · East Austin Succulents