Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Smith
Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2018, I was visiting my brother in Apalachicola, FL, and we were waiting for our wives to arrive later that evening. He mentioned that he hadn’t had a good Bushwacker in years and suggested we make some to have ready when our wives arrived home. We went shopping for all the ingredients and ended up visiting five different stores before we had everything we needed.
About four hours and many drinks later, we had some great Bushwackers ready. However, the kitchen was a wreck, and it had been quite an ordeal. As we looked at our handwritten recipe on a napkin, we began to wonder why no one had ever mixed all the basic ingredients together in a convenient package, like margarita or piña colada mixes. That was our “aha” moment.
Not long after, I began researching what it would take to start a brand and embark on this journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Having started several businesses from scratch in the past, I’ve learned firsthand that the road to success in a startup is anything but smooth—often more like a rollercoaster ride! When we ventured into the alcohol industry, we quickly discovered its formidable barriers. Initially, navigating the labyrinthine legal and compliance requirements was overwhelming. It required securing knowledgeable attorneys and investing significant time in educating ourselves about the industry’s intricacies.
Moreover, breaking through the dominance of large brands that monopolized shelf space proved challenging. Building relationships with distributors required relentless grassroots efforts, compounded by launching during the tumultuous early days of COVID-19. In an industry built on personal connections, face-to-face interactions were limited, complicating our efforts even further.
Once we successfully brought our product to market and garnered enthusiastic customer feedback, our initial struggles with brand recognition gave way to a new challenge: meeting soaring demand. Scaling production posed financial hurdles—buying ingredients and bottling months ahead of sales to meet demand strained our resources. As regular guys without deep financial backing, we relied heavily on support from family and friends who believed in our venture, stepping in as partners to fuel our growth.
Today, we continue to grapple with the demands of rapid expansion. Fueled by the enthusiasm for our product, we’re committed to meeting the market’s appetite and determined to keep making as much as our customers want—because ultimately, their satisfaction is our greatest reward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bushwacker Spirits?
We’re honored to play a part in the rich history of the Bushwacker cocktail, which has been delighting drinkers since 1975. While the cocktail itself steals the spotlight, we’re grateful to be the behind-the-scenes crew in this story. I’m immensely proud of our dedicated team and supportive partners. From the outset, our goal has been to craft the finest possible product and cultivate a company culture that embodies the essence of the Bushwacker—beaches, relaxation, coconut aromas, and pure enjoyment.
There’s something magical about that first sip of a chilled drink on a sunny beach. We’re committed to expanding our lineup so that more people can experience the joy of our Bushwackers. Currently available in liquor stores across Florida and 16 other states, we’re excited to announce a new formulation that will soon grace grocery and convenience store shelves throughout Florida. It’s a thrilling development for us.
Our mission is simple: to share the spirit of Bushwacker and bring fun to as many people as possible, contributing to the ongoing legacy of this incredible cocktail.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
My parents would probably tell you I was quite a handful. I never liked being told something couldn’t be done or wasn’t possible; I had to find out for myself, often learning the hard way. A teacher once told me, “Michael, you’re going to learn nearly every lesson life has to offer, but you’re going to learn them all the hard way.” Back then, I didn’t fully grasp his words, but looking back as an adult, he couldn’t have been more right.
From a young age, I had a knack for dismantling things to understand how they worked, though putting them back together was another story—I broke my fair share of household items in the process. While I enjoyed sports, I always thrived more as the underdog than the favorite to win, a trait perhaps rooted in being the second of four kids in a working-class home, always trying to keep pace with my older brother.
Throughout my life, one constant ambition was starting my own company. At just thirteen, I began digging swimming pools, and upon graduating high school, I launched my own pool repair business in our small town. Now, three decades later, I’ve had a hand in launching over ten businesses. While some ventures didn’t pan out as hoped, a few, like Bushwacker Spirits, have flourished.
Entrepreneurship is indeed a roller coaster. There were years I struggled to make rent and others where everything fell into place. As my teacher predicted, I’ve learned many lessons the hard way. Currently, my focus is on spending quality time with my wife and two daughters in their twenties, who have stood by me through lean times and celebrated with me during the successes, such as those we’re experiencing with Bushwacker Spirits now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bushwackerspirits.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bushwackerspirits/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrinkBushwacker
