Member of the Month: Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Each month, the Austin Young Chamber will highlight a member who is doing extraordinary work to strengthen our businesses, our community…or both! Showcasing their achievements is just one way we can put a spotlight on the talented, collaborative, and community-focused workforce we have here in Central Texas.
This month we’re highlighting Tito’s Handmade Vodka– a Young Chamber Annual Partner and a distillery company that rooted in Austin 20 years ago and is seen on the shelves of national and international bars. We chatted with their team about the company and how their mission goes beyond giving people the perfect cocktail.
Austin Young Chamber: How did Tito’s Handmade Vodka come to life?
Tito’s: Founded by sixth-generation Texan, Tito Beveridge, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is known for its high-quality product, charitable contributions, and goal to make people happy while making the world a better place.
From the start, Tito got a kick out of infusing vodka for friends and quickly became known as “the vodka guy.” Inspired to do what he loved, he pursued a career in the spirits industry, risking it all until he sold his first case. Tito’s got to where it is today thanks to our fans, the folks who listened to our story, believed in our dream, and lent a helping hand. Our journey was a slow burn that became a “twenty-year overnight success.” We wouldn’t be here without the steadfast support from everyone who tried Tito’s, liked it, and told 20 of their closest friends. For that, we say thank you every chance we get.
Austin Young Chamber: What are some examples of ways your company supports the Austin community?
Tito’s: Giving back has been part of Tito’s Handmade Vodka from the very beginning. United under the goal of “Turning Spirits into Love & Goodness,” Love Tito’s, the philanthropic heart of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, has supported thousands of causes over the years with so many organizations and events held right here in Austin. We’re honored to work with a variety of Austin area nonprofits making huge impacts in our city. The Mike and Sherry Project, HAAM, Austin Humane Society, and the Sustainable Food Center are just a few organizations that we support throughout the year.
One of our favorite ways to give back is through our Love, Tito’s retail store in downtown Austin. We have everything from barware to dog toys, golf accessories, and signature holiday sweaters. The best part? When you shop the Tito’s store 100% of net proceeds goes to the customer’s choice of nonprofits that we support.
Austin Young Chamber: How has Austin influenced the culture of your company?
Tito’s: We owe everything to our hometown. Austin pulled up a seat in a crowded bar and invited Tito’s to sit down. The city may not have paved the way for immediate success – we’d have to get there on our own – but, it set the scene for us to keep going every time the going was tough.
Our fellow Austinites believed in our dream, eventually becoming loyal fans of the brand, requesting the copper cap at their favorite bars and retailers. They helped our story reach the rest of the world and, alongside the city itself, inspire us to remain authentic and continue crafting our passion.
Austin Young Chamber: What type of involvement do young professionals have in your company?
Tito’s: Our company has a diverse group of young professionals that lead the charge on our brand initiatives in the Greater Austin Area and beyond. Though it may sound cliché, teamwork really does make the Tito’s dream work and we continue to succeed because of the folks behind the
brand.
Austin Young Chamber: What are your plans for 2023?
Our goal has always been, and will always be, to work alongside our supporters to bring joy, do good, and mix a great cocktail. We plan to continue distilling the Tito’s our fans know and love right here in Austin, Texas.
Austin Young Chamber: How do you collaborate with other local businesses?
We love teaming up with local businesses, whether it be Tito’s tasting opportunities, supporting local nonprofits, or designing co-branded merchandise. Collaborating with other organizations in our hometown has always been a fun way for us to support the Austin community.
