Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Prueitt.
Hi Caitlin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
We explored different ideas and options to become business owners, starting with the idea of a distillery, and quickly thought “there’s no way we can start a distillery – that’s too far fetched”! So we tossed around ideas like a coffee shop, bakery, brewery, creamery, etc. And eventually came back around to a distillery. It seemed to make the most sense based on my background, interests, and at the time there was growing interest in craft spirits. My approach was to just start filling out paperwork, asking questions, researching, training, and generally moving forward until either we hit a wall or got up and running. Thankfully the latter happened!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a road of varied conditions. Sometimes we felt like things were moving along smoothly, then we’d turn a bend and find a new roadblock! We encountered a lot of the “normal” struggles of running a business, including financial challenges, steep learning curves, etc. One particular challenge we faced happened fairly early on, thankfully, and that was a trademark issue. Though we had done our research before starting our business under Veracity Spirits, one year into our journey we stumbled upon a California winery label with the same name. We reached out to the winery expecting them to say there was no issue since we are in different markets, creating significantly different products, and that only one of several of their labels used the name Veracity. Unfortunately, they did not respond in that way. BUT they were nice about the whole issue and let us work through the stock on hand without having to pull product and re-label everything.
In 2019, the day after Thanksgiving, we acquired Calapooia Brewing, including the production brewery building and the brewpub, which we then moved Vivacity Spirits into. And then a few months later…. COVID. So many challenges bundled in with that! We made it through, against all odds, tapping into all our reserves of tenacity, creativity, and patience.
Being a woman in business is not without its challenges as well. As the majority owner, I (Caitlin) am the one who did most of the research, analysis, financial projections, and the paperwork. However, my husband, Chris Neumann, and I have entered this endeavor together. So when presenting to banks, investors, licensing boards, etc. I would present the paperwork and the questions would be directed to Chris. I would answer the question, then follow-up would be directed to Chris again. I choose to find the humor in this, but the reality is that it’s still a man’s world. (note: Chris is fully supportive and did a lot of work to get where we are!)
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I founded Vivacity Spirits in 2011 with my partner and spouse, Chris Neumann. In founding Vivacity, we set out to combine tradition with innovation in crafting exceptional spirits using locally sourced ingredients. As the primary owner of the company, Vivacity can proudly call itself one of just a few microdistilleries nationwide owned by a woman and the first in the Willamette Valley.
Our distillery is a reflection of both my passion and expertise in the art of distilling. With a degree focusing on fermentation sciences from Oregon State University and a wealth of experience working in wineries, breweries, and laboratory settings, I have a deep understanding of the science and tradition behind crafting exceptional spirits.
We believe in the power of local, beginning with using locally sourced ingredients, not only to support our community, but also to ensure a fresh and unique taste in every bottle. Beyond the bottle, we are committed to supporting our community by leveraging the advantages offered to us by the 2019 acquisition of Calapooia Brewing, another proudly Oregon-born beverage brand with a production facility, brewpub, and taproom located in Albany, Oregon. By choosing to partner with local businesses, hosting free community events, hiring local, and giving back directly through fundraising for local non-profits, we strive to embrace opportunities to share our success. From our smooth, small-batch gins and vodkas to bold IPAs and crisp light ales, we aim to bring flavor, creativity, and community to every pour.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I feel like what looks like luck from an outsider’s perspective is actually the cumulation of a great deal of hard work taking place under the surface. While we may appear lucky to still be in business during such tough times, we’ve had to make a lot of difficult decisions, putting in long hours, surviving many sleepless nights, and adding many new grey hairs.
With that said, we are lucky to have the resources available to us in terms of our education, jobs, opportunities and the experiences that we have had. We are also lucky to have the support systems that we have built, mainly in our family and within our community and we don’t take any of that for granted. I don’t think success exists in a bubble or a vacuum. We strive to work with other businesses both established and those in the foundling stage to share whatever we can, be it a few words of encouragement, mentorship, or sharing our knowledge and resources. We are of the mindset that when the tide rises, all ships float. And we count ourselves “lucky” to work in an industry where most share this ethos.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vivacityspirits.com, www.calapooiabrewing.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vivacity_fine_spirits, www.instagram.com/calapooiabrewing
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/VeracitySpirits, www.facebook.com/calapooiabrewing
- Other: marketing@vivacityspirits.com, events@calapooiabrewing.com
