“Because Execution Takes Up So Much Of Your Soul, You Have To Learn To Say No” With Adam von Gootkin

“Because execution takes up so much of your soul, you have to learn to say no to opportunities that come to you and will distract you. Especially the really attractive ones. And the more successful you are, the more opportunities come. Saying no has always been hard for me, but it’s absolutely critical if we are to stay focused. This is a lesson I’m still learning.”

I had the pleasure of interviewing Adam von Gootkin, the co-founder and CEO of Highclere Castle Cigars. He is a lifelong entrepreneur, is the co-founder of award winning craft distillery, Onyx Spirits Co., and had a national release of his book “Living Proof: Onyx Moonshine’s Journey to Revive the American Spirit.” In early 2019 he will oversee the global release of Highclere Castle Gin, using botanicals grown on the famous estate.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! What is your “backstory”?

I left college after my first semester and joined my business partner Peter Kowalczyk for our very first venture, which was a…