We had the good fortune of connecting with William Rogers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always wanted to have my own business where I was able to control the outcome of our products. Working in corporate culture for 15 years showed me that large businesses lack the flexibility to adapt to market demands.

I felt constrained and wanted the freedom to do what I wanted. We’ve never made products trying guess what customers want. We make products that we love, and feel that others would love them to. So far, it’s worked.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Every single job that I’ve held before I opened the distillery has helped me in some way to prepare for the challenges of running a startup. From washing dishes and working in catering, to Management Positions at Snap-on Tools and Sears, and especially selling Budweiser and Corona for a small distributor in San Jose. They all taught me how to run my distillery from a practical and a theoretical stand point.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My wife and I live in Coronado with our kids, and it’s also where I grew up. Coronado Brewing Co., Little Club, Buona Forchetta all are favorite spots. I also love the vibe of the different restaurants in Barrio Logan. We hit up Ciccia Osteria a lot.

The boardwalk in IB is a great place as well. Hess Brewing, CBC, and Sea180 are favorites.

There’s too many food options. I love it all.

I usually try to take out of towners to a Padres game or a round of golf at Balboa or Coronado. Beautiful views, fun times.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The San Diego Distillers Guild was instrumental in bringing together the leadership of the craft distillers in San Diego. I gained so much knowledge just sitting a table and discussing the problems that we were facing, and understanding that I wasn’t alone. Casey Miles from California Spirit Co., Geoff Longenecker from Seven Caves, Ken Lee from Malahat, and Trent Tilton from San Diego Distillery are all good friends and we’ve really worked to support each other and each other’s businesses.

Website: www.libertycall.com

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