A clear path forward
Client
Catoctin Creek
Purcellville, VA
Overview
Catoctin Creek, a distillery in Virginia, had great liquid and a ton of potential when they received a strategic investment from an international supplier. The husband and wife team, Scott and Becky, who’d started and grown the distillery themselves, were ready to take it to the next level but wanted to do so the right way. Realizing the best path forward to maximize ownership and shareholder return while fully unlocking the brand’s promise was their main goal and reason for bringing in Thoroughbred.
Challenges
No experience in the spirits industry
Needed to set a new course for the business
Results
Established a strategic road map to guide growth
Well-received unique brand
Scott Harris
Catoctin Creek
“Thoroughbred Spirits Group has been an invaluable partner in helping us grow our company from start-up mode, to becoming a regional player in the spirits industry. Through their analysis of our strengths and weaknesses, we have been able to improve ourselves and strengthen our brand. The team couldn’t be nicer or more knowledgeable and professional, and we feel we have real partners in achieving our success.”
Thoroughbred started with a strategic plan to determine what Catoctin Creek should stop, keep, and start doing. In tandem with the strategic plan, Thoroughbred developed a financial model to numerically outline the progress needed and when, including everything from new markets and personnel needs to a refined portfolio.
With a great foundation in the existing packaging, Scott and Becky worked hand-in-hand with the Thoroughbred design team to build upon that foundation with a refresh on the brand visuals. A new icon, custom font, and clear method for differentiation amongst SKUs, including single barrel releases, all came together on a customized bottle for a memorable brand design and defined a sense of place Catoctin Creek will own going forward.
The foresight of Scott and Becky along with the work of the Thoroughbred team resulted in a defined path forward for the next decade. This clear guidance is steering smart investment of their capital and decisions towards achieving their goal of maximizing stakeholder returns. Best of all, Scott and Becky have confidence knowing their sacrifice has been worth it, and they’ll get the return they’re hoping for.
