Growing Bourbon Sales Internationally

Episode 20: Today, Omar Ayyash, President & CEO of the World Trade Center Kentucky interviews Eddie Smith, CEO & Founder, Kentucky Exports, LLC and Bourbon Kings UAB. Eddie and his brother started in Elizabethtown and now Eddie lives in Lithuania, where he’s focused on growing sales and distribution of bourbon throughout the region.

Meet Eddie Smith

Eddie’s brother, Steve Smith, attended an International Trade Certification Program with the World Trade Center Kentucky, a few years ago. This is how Omar became aware of what he and Eddie were doing with Kentucky Exports, LLC.

Originally from Elizabethtown, Eddie moved to Louisville for 20+ years, before going to Lithuania. He worked in IT for Humana, served as an Adjunct Professor (CIS) at the University of Louisville, and later did international development for Papa Johns.

While at Papa Johns, Eddie’s area of focus included identifying potential franchise opportunities in the Baltic region. He traveled there and to Russia. He loved the people and culture of the region. He’s lived in Lithuania for the past 5 years, beginning in 2019. Initially, he lead an IT team for Danske Bank.

Advice for Those Thinking about Starting a Business and Growing It Internationally

The biggest piece of advice Eddie offers is about choosing the right partners. For Kentucky Exports, LLC and Bourbon Kings, UAB, they’re fortunate to have a Kentuckian on both sides of the business. They trust each other and a similar level of trust is forged with the producers.

Vet your partners and confirm they have the same level of passion and zeal you have. Entrepreneurship often involves a 24/7 mindset. Go in with your eyes wide open and give it everything you’ve got to be successful.

To Contact Eddie Smith:

Website: https://www.kentuckyexports.com

Website: https://bourbonkings.eu/

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

· 01/29/25 – Trade Chat: Investing in Workforce Development for a Brighter Future

· 02/18/25 – Global Executive Forum: Navigating the Evolving Landscape and US-China Commercial Relations

The next episode of our podcast will launch on 02/10/25. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

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