What if your greatest business idea came out of a setback?
That’s exactly what happened to Steven DeAngelo, founder of Greenhook Ginsmiths and St. Agrestis. After the 2008 financial crash ended his Wall Street career, Steven took a leap into the unknown—launching a craft distillery in Brooklyn with zero industry experience. Today, he’s behind some of New York’s most innovative spirits and the viral non-alcoholic hit, the Phony Negroni.
In this episode of “Fingerprints on Success,” host Bill Barrett uncovers Steven’s journey of risk, resilience, and reinvention. From navigating the alcohol three-tier system to scaling with a direct-to-consumer model, Steven shares exactly what it takes to thrive in a highly regulated and competitive industry.
This conversation is packed with lessons on:
- Avoiding expensive startup mistakes that sink new businesses
- Managing smart inventory and sustainable growth
- Building product-market fit in crowded categories
- Operating a small business in a highly regulated industry
- Launching a new product during a pandemic
- Winning credibility at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Whether you’re passionate about craft spirits, consumer packaged goods, or simply curious about bold entrepreneurship, Steven’s story proves that setbacks can spark your biggest breakthroughs.
🎧 Listen now and discover how to turn uncertainty into innovation and growth.
YouTube: Steven DeAngelo | Fingerprints on Success – YouTube
Apple Podcasts: Steven DeAngelo | Fingerprints on Success – Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Steven DeAngelo | Fingerprints on Success – Spotify
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