Success at Waubs Harbour Distillery: Bec Polmear on Building a Profitable Maritime Whisky Brand, Using Ocean-Cooled Techniques, and Creating a Legacy with Authentic Tasmanian Flavors and Global Ambitions in 18 Months of Sales. (Episode 600 - Bec Polmear)

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Bec Polmear, Co-Founder and Head of Creative at Waubs Harbour Whisky. Bec shares the remarkable story of Warbs Harbor Distillery, a premium Tasmanian whiskey brand. She discusses their journey to achieving profitability in their first year of sales, the innovative ocean-cooled techniques that define their maritime whiskey, and their exciting global expansion, including their first export to Japan. Discover the passion and dedication behind building a lasting legacy.

Other Resources:

1. Started with $1K, scaled 700% annually through early influencer marketing, and sold their tea business for $10M in under 3 years – (Episode 5 - Tim Polmear)
   
   

2. Starting with $10K in 2004, losing it all, and nearly quitting, they now generate $27M annually with 55 team members selling fitness products – (Ben Crowley)

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Bec Polmear, one of the hardest things in growing a small business is managing decision fatigue. With countless decisions to make, from big-picture strategies to minor details, it can feel overwhelming. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and brand direction to simplify decision-making and stay focused on what truly matters for the business's growth.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Bec Polmear’s favorite business book is Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller. She finds it incredibly helpful for understanding brand positioning and crafting clear, compelling messaging that resonates with customers, which has significantly influenced her business approach.
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Bec Polmear recommends podcasts as a key resource for growing a small business. Her favorites include Grow a Small Business, Drinks Adventures, How I Built This, and DTC Podcast. She also suggests subscribing to industry-specific email newsletters, such as those from The Spirits Business, to stay updated on trends and insights. These tools provide practical knowledge and inspiration for entrepreneurs.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Bec Polmear recommends using Instagram Insights as a valuable tool for growing a small business. It helps track the performance of content, identify what resonates most with the audience, and refine messaging to build a loyal and engaged community. This focus on authentic, impactful storytelling has been instrumental in driving her business growth.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Bec Polmear advises that on day one of starting a business, you should ask yourself: "What is my honest motivation for doing this?" She stresses the importance of ensuring that your business fulfills a genuine need, whether it’s for financial success or a passion project. By being clear about your motivation and whether your product or service can meet that goal, you’re more likely to stay committed through the challenges and avoid giving up when things get tough.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!

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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Success isn't just about profits; it's about building something you're proud of — Bec Polmear

Stay authentic in your storytelling, and your community will find you — Bec Polmear

Business is about creating value, not just making money — Bec Polmear