Youngest Owned Distillery Is Open for Business

BPNC Distillery (Molly Pearson) - 10/10/2006

Temperance, MI October 10, 2006 –Meet Brian Pearson. A 31 year young, ex-Marine, former Presidential Guard and entrepreneur from Genoa, Ohio whose mother gave him the idea of a lifetime while on leave from his patriotic duties in December of 1998. Brian stops by his mother’s to see if she needs any help with the surprise 21st birthday party she is having for his younger sister. With the suggestion from a friend to have Jell-O Shots at the party, she asks Brian to run out and buy some from the liquor store. He looks at her puzzled and explains that you have to make them yourself. You simply cannot buy them pre-made. Not stopping from her party planning and casually proclaiming that if everyone makes them at home, someone should manufacture and sell them. This idea sent Brian’s mind racing; then manufacture them he did. Producing, marketing and commercially manufacturing the first pre-packaged gelatin shot; Zippers The Original Gelatin Shots.

Pearson, then 23, proceeded to move back to Ohio after his end of active service with the Marine Corp. In the small town of Genoa, he launched his company out of the garage. At first the only co-packer that would take the product on was a chicken soup manufacturer in Lodi, Ohio. “When you’re just starting your company you take what help you can get. This company was willing to learn and help me grow. They stayed with me until they could no longer keep up with production” Pearson stated. With manufacturing under way Pearson attempted to find distribution in Ohio. After every distributor in the state declined to sell the product, Pearson took the mission into his own hands applying for and receiving his own distribution license. After pounding the pavement and placing the product in local retail stores and bars, Pearson re-approached the distributor persuading one of them to start selling the product state wide. From there Pearson proceeded to contact distributors in other states. With distribution in 25 states, the U.K., Germany and Holland the product exploded onto the market.

Due to the product demand and the growing company, Brian realized he needed help. At the same time Brian received a resume from Molly Hodulik. Eager to start working in the marketing and sales division of the company, she agreed to meet the President of BPNC, Inc. for an interview. This was no ordinary interview. “Brian walked in, talked a mile a minute for an hour straight about the company, offered me the job and asked me on a date. He had more passion for his product and company than anyone else I had ever met. He believes in what he is doing and in turn makes others believe. He is the hardest working, self-made man I know” Molly Pearson stated. After three years of dating and working together everyday, Brian proposed, and on January 15, 2005 they were married. The two share a major portion of the responsibilities for the company overseeing day-to-day operations. They do everything from Sales and Marketing to Graphic Design to the Manufacturing of all their products. “We even ride to work together” Molly stated.

In December of 2005 BPNC, Inc. purchased a 40,000 sq. ft. Manufacturing Distillery in Temperance, Michigan making Brian, 31 and Molly, 26 respectfully the youngest owners of a distillery in the country. They have established an up-to-date facility with state of the art equipment and cutting edge manufacturing. Committed to the highest standards and methods in the industry, they are producing the finest quality products available. BPNC has helped to fill voids in the manufacturing of niche alcohol products bringing them opportunities to contract package other products. “We have the opportunity to give others starting out in this industry the knowledge and experience I would have liked to receive. We can guide them in the right direction and help them build their brand from the ground up. Many of the larger companies won’t even give you chance, we will” Brian Pearson stated. Currently BPNC will manufacture three of their own products while having contracts to manufacture multiple specialty products for other companies. BPNC Distillery will be able to annually produce an average of 400,000 cases per year with the ability to rapidly grow. To date BPNC, Inc. has manufactured and sold over 16 Million Zipper Gelatin Shots.

BPNC was a first mover with a distinct niche in the alcohol industry, being first to commercially manufacture the gelatin shot in 1998. After trial and error Pearson realized that vodka based shots were the way to go. Re-doing all flavors and formulas he introduced Zippers Cocktails in 2003 followed by a new line, Zippers Fusion, in early spring 2006. The 12% 24 proof foil sealed, 50ml containers are available in eight delicious flavors. Zippers Cocktails include Blue Hawaiian, Purple Hooter, Fuzzy Navel and Melon Head while Zippers Fusion consists of Raspberry Mango, Grape Apple, Strawberry Banana and Guana Bana. Pearson also updated the convenient 8-packs using a catchy chrome background with red accents for Zippers Fusion and blue accents for Zippers Cocktails.

In 2005 BPNC introduced a new RTD, Tiki Rita Margarita. With six different flavors available there is something to tantalize everyone’s taste buds. Tiki Rita is an ultra premium margarita made with superior flavors and pure tequila. From Original to Mango they have you covered. Tiki Rita offers a fast, convenient option for the margarita drinker. Using the highest grade ingredients available means consumers won’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience. With robust flavors and 7.5% alcohol, Tiki Rita offers the perfect bite with a smooth finish.

In early 2006 BPNC expanded their portfolio when they introduced EDEN. EDEN is made with premium VI white rum and the best flavors available. Created for the consumer who wants a non-carbonated, lightly sweetened great tasting cocktail, EDEN is cool and refreshing. At 7.5% alcohol the Blue Raspberry and Pink Lemonade flavors have a smooth clean finish. These RTD beverages may be enjoyed chilled or over ice.

Please contact Molly Pearson for further information.