Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly O’Shea.
Hi Kelly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was in the tech industry and a corporate recruiter reached out and introduced me to B.R. Distilling Company. I joined as a Field Marketing Manager and moved to Memphis from Houston to join the BRDC team. I worked in sales at the account and store level and assisted in building our on-premise program throughout Memphis and surrounding markets.
Learned everything I could about the heritage and history of Memphis and Bourbon. The history and science of the industry and distilling process fascinated me, making me ask question upon question to understand the how and the why better.
Learning this information made my marketing skills shine through with creating ideas on how to market our Blue Note and Riverset products, as well as, how to differentiate our brands in a highly saturated market. I was promoted into Marketing as our Marketing & PR Manager.
I created a digital platform for our brands through organic outreach and education about our products. We grew to a level of national visibility in a rather short period of time. Beginning 2022, I was offered my current role of Sales & Marketing Director.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As the determined FDR has said, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
This journey has been anything but smooth, but I can guarantee it has been fun nonetheless. I was essentially about 4 months in at a new job, in a new town, and a global pandemic hits. What is it? How long will it last? Will I remain an employee? All valid and scary thoughts in a matter of months from a major life change to say the least. Through creativity, a great team and strategy, we have crossed many hurdles and continue to do so.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My job is a dream, truly a dream. I am educating and exposing consumers to amazing products that I have been lucky enough to have such a hand in bringing to market.
The community that supports bourbon and whiskey is like no other. The passion and excitement it brings is a special thing that I get to see daily. The networking side is what I enjoy the most.
People have come into my life through this community that are now lifelong friends. BR Distilling has a level of authenticity that is hard to replicate. We don’t have the family lineage or the long-lost recipe, we just have really great whiskey!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Being still a newer Memphis resident, I am still learning all this city has to offer, but already so so fond of Memphis!
The pride of Memphians is a notable trait that I have not experienced before in any city. There is always something fun going on or a great new bar or restaurant to check out. In short bourbon, blues and BBQ are my Memphis favs.
If people didn’t treat I-40 like a Sunday at Daytona that would be great too!
Contact Info:
- Website: bluenotebourbon.com
- Instagram: @kelly0shea
