Sunlight filters through tasting room windows at Boardroom Spirits, nestled in an industrial park in Lansdale. Men are gathered around a few tables in the tasting room enjoying fresh pizza and spirited business discussions. Just beyond the windows, bees and butterflies float through a vibrant native pollinator garden — a lively oasis that brings a touch of nature to the industrial park, embodying the distillery’s commitment to community and sustainability.

Boardroom Spirits was founded by Marat Mamedov, his wife Zsuzsa Palotas, and his brother Vlad Mamedov. The trio, all former management consultants, saw a great idea in the growth of the East Coast spirits industry and were inspired to create something uniquely their own. Inspired by the growth of craft beer and wine, they set out to build a unique distilling business focused on quality and innovation.

The products at Boardroom Spirits are deeply influenced by the founders’ diverse cultural backgrounds. Marat and Vlad, originally from Azerbaijan, bring a rich heritage of traditional distilling practices, while Marat’s wife Zsuzsa, from Hungary, adds Central European influences. This blend of backgrounds creates a unique cross-cultural approach to crafting spirits, combining European traditions with American ingenuity.

Their philosophy centers on using real ingredients and embracing bold flavors. Inspired by classic European distilling, Boardroom Spirits emphasizes quality by avoiding artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. Their products range from traditional spirits like gin and bourbon to distinct brandies and liqueurs, each crafted with care and creativity. This commitment to authentic, high-quality ingredients defines every bottle that bears the Boardroom name, bringing a true fusion of heritage and innovation to their offerings.

Business Growth and Success

In their early days, the founders traveled to Hungary, to work with Corvinus University, a renowned institution for fermentation sciences. There, they gained hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the craft, while partnering with experts to select the ideal equipment.

The Boardroom Spirits team spent a year in Hungary working on research and development which provided the knowledge and foundation needed to thrive.

Since opening its doors in 2016, Boardroom Spirits has experienced impressive growth. What began as a modest 3,600-square-foot distillery has now expanded to occupy five buildings within its industrial complex. The distillery has also diversified its offerings, evolving from a small tasting room into a multi-faceted business that includes ready-to-drink canned cocktails, contract manufacturing, and recipe development for other brands.

This growth was further accelerated by the distillery’s quick adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic. While initially focusing on in-person tasting experiences, Boardroom Spirits pivoted to bottle sales helping them to survive and thrive during a challenging time.

The MontcoForward Loan Program and Advice for Other Businesses

A low-interest MontcoForward Loan was a critical factor contributing to Boardroom Spirits’ early success. The MontcoForward Loan Program is a cooperative initiative of the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority and the County Commerce Department designed to spur economic development in the County by funding the growth and expansion of small businesses, attracting new businesses and industries, revitalizing our communities, and supporting our workforce with accessible housing opportunities. The MontcoForward Loan allowed them to renovate their facilities, and create an inviting bar and tasting area. These improvements not only enhanced the brand experience but also positioned the distillery for long-term growth.

Reflecting on the loan process, Marat advises other small businesses to approach loans with a clear understanding of their numbers and growth trajectory.

“You see businesses take out loans expecting to grow 10 times, but if that growth doesn’t happen, they can struggle to pay back the loan,” he stated.

His advice is simple but powerful: businesses should calculate risks carefully, ensure they have a strong plan for future growth, and apply only if the loan will serve as a catalyst for that growth.

He also emphasized the importance of knowing your business intimately and being ready to present detailed financial projections when applying for any loan. Although the application process was relatively smooth for them, Marat understands the challenge many businesses face and stresses preparation as the key to securing and successfully utilizing loan funding.

Boardroom Spirits’ Community Impact in Lansdale

Boardroom Spirits has firmly embedded itself in the Lansdale community through both its business operations and charitable efforts. The company prioritizes local sourcing and environmental sustainability, focusing on projects such as creating a native garden and implementing solar power. The native garden, specifically tailored to the soil of Lansdale, supports local pollinators, while the distillery’s 96 solar panels significantly reduce their environmental footprint.

Their community engagement goes beyond sustainability. Boardroom Spirits actively supports various causes, including animal welfare through partnerships with organizations like Dog Town and Stray Cat Blues, as well as fundraising efforts for first responders and veterans through the Robert Irvine Foundation. The distillery’s involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted its commitment to the Montgomery County community, as it produced and donated hand sanitizer when it was most needed.

Future Plans for Boardroom Spirits

Looking ahead, Boardroom Spirits is focused on expanding intelligently and sustainably. The company has secured additional buildings within its industrial complex, allowing them room for further growth. Their expansion plans will continue to balance growth with operational efficiency, ensuring that they do not overextend their resources.

With an eye toward the future, they will continue to develop their product lines while also increasing their contract manufacturing and recipe development services, allowing them to reach new markets while maintaining their commitment to quality and innovation.

Marat’s parting advice is both simple and powerful: “Adapt or evaporate.” Boardroom Spirits’ flexibility and their dedication to quality and community have been the pillars of their success, guiding them through challenges and growth alike. 

To learn more about the MontcoForward Loan Program that helped Boardroom Spirits and how it can benefit your business, click here. If you’d like to speak with a representative from the Montgomery County Commerce Department about this program and other financing options, fill out our business request form here.

Learn more at Montgomery County Commerce Department.