Fawn Weaver is the founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, the fastest-growing American whiskey brand, now valued at over $1 billion. In this interview with ForbesWomen editor Maggie McGrath, Weaver shares her extraordinary journey—from leaving home at 15 to disrupting a centuries-old industry. She opens up about the early challenges of launching a whiskey company as a Black woman, her strategic approach to raising capital, and why she refuses to take venture funding.
Weaver also reveals her bold plan to build a spirits conglomerate—one that includes vodka and cognac brands—while staying true to her mission. She talks about tariffs, shifting consumer habits, and the importance of legacy. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned investor, Weaver’s vision, grit, and strategy offer a masterclass in building something that lasts.
00:00 – Intro: Meet Fawn Weaver of Uncle Nearest
00:27 – From Homeless Shelters to CEO
01:40 – How Adversity Shaped Her Leadership
03:33 – The Untold Story Behind Uncle Nearest
05:27 – How Jack Daniel Honored Nearest Green
08:13 – Reviving a Legacy Whiskey Recipe
10:33 – Building a Billion-Dollar Brand
11:55 – Breaking Through the Distribution Barrier
13:53 – How Her Bestseller Helps the Business
16:40 – Race, Gender & the Spirits Industry
19:16 – Meet the Master Blender: Victoria Butler
22:28 – Beyond Whiskey: Building a Spirits Conglomerate
25:38 – Why She Bought a Vodka and Cognac Brand
27:52 – A House of Brands, Not a Single Label
29:04 – Her Unique Investor Philosophy
31:37 – How She Prepared for Tariffs
34:48 – Planning Two Years Ahead for Economic Shocks
38:45 – Her Take on the “Drinking Less” Trend
41:54 – Why She’ll Never Sell the Company
42:50 – Lessons from the Harvard Case Study
45:56 – The First Investor Who Took a Chance
48:18 – “You Only Need One” Investor Mindset
49:14 – What’s Next: Vodka and Cognac Launches
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