From Columbus Business First, Women of Influence is an interview series showcasing some of the most powerful women in the Central Ohio business community. Hosted by Eleanor Kennedy, Assistant Managing Editor.
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episode 34: Crisis Management: Watershed's Greg Lehman on 10 years of distilling and the upside of 2020
Watershed Distillery started 2020 hot — posting two of its best months of business ever.
But by mid-March the coronavirus pandemic scuttled all those aspirations for the year. And it was a high hopes year. Watershed marks 10 years of business this month and though it is celebrating, the plan is what it once would have been.
“If it was February 15 and you told me what we’d sell in August I would have been super disappointed,” owner Greg Lehman said. “Oh no, what are we doing wrong?”
Its popular restaurant Watershed Kitchen & Bar, which accounts for one-third of total company sales, closed in March and isn’t reopening until 2021. On the distillery side, 60% of sales historically are to other restaurants and bars, all of which have been challenged.
But here in September, bottle sales are within 5% of last year’s sales thanks to the return of some wholesale sales and strong retail business through state liquor stores.
“If you rewind to the middle of March I would take that any day,” Lehman said.
In this episode of Crisis Management Lehman not only goes through the ups-and-downs of 2020, but also shares the company’s history. It started in less than 2,000 square feet and now has more than 20,000. A restaurant and multi-state distribution weren’t part of the thinking a decade ago, but are the reality today.
To celebrate the occasion, the distillery is releasing Watershed Barrel Strength Bourbon, which has been aged six years and finished in spent apple brandy barrels. The tasting notes note aromas of baked apple with flavors of warm baking spices. Retail price will be $69.99.
It’ll be available at the distillery as well as select shops around town.