From 9-to-5 to Spirits Sales: How Willis Blankenship Built a Brand with Grit and Purpose

UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits Episode 5

Behind every bottle of Red Rocks Spirits is a story, and for Willis Blankenship, that story is about resilience, reinvention, and the power of finding your calling. In this episode of UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits, we go beyond the brand to learn how a man who spent over two decades in a traditional 9-to-5 job transformed a life-altering setback into a new mission: bringing high-quality spirits to people who love to celebrate life.

This is a raw, inspiring look at how one man’s challenges became the fuel for a new kind of success.

Life Before Spirits: A 22-Year Career, Cut Short

Before he became the driving force behind Red Rocks Spirits’ sales operation, Willis spent 22 years in a steady, government job. It was the kind of life many people build and settle into—until everything changed.

After being medically disqualified, Willis was forced to walk away from the career he had invested so much of his identity in. But instead of letting that chapter define him, he decided to rewrite the story.

In this episode, Willis shares what it felt like to lose the career he thought he’d always have—and how that moment sparked a new dream that would eventually become Red Rocks Spirits.

From Setback to Startup: Building Red Rocks Spirits from the Ground Up

Starting a spirits company is no small feat. But Willis and Ashley Blankenship knew they wanted to create something that felt real—something that represented their values, their roots in Colorado, and their belief in good times and good people.

Willis dives into what it took to build Red Rocks Spirits from scratch, from choosing the right partners and navigating regulations to getting their first bottles on shelves. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the sales side of the spirits business, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the hustle, strategy, and heart it takes to make it work.

The Heart of Sales: Connecting with People, Not Just Accounts

For Willis, sales isn’t just about moving product—it’s about building relationships. He shares what he’s learned about connecting with customers, supporting retailers, and getting Red Rocks Spirits on the shelf in a way that feels human and genuine.

“At the end of the day, people don’t just buy a product—they buy a story, a connection.” — Willis Blankenship

This episode details what it took to make the leap from a steady, predictable life, to one of unexpected ups and downs. It’s an honest look at what it really takes to grow a Colorado-based spirits company one bottle at a time.

What Fuels the Mission at Red Rocks Spirits

So what keeps Willis going? It’s more than sales goals or shelf space. It’s the vision of creating a spirits brand that stands for something—good times, great taste, and genuine connections.

Whether he’s chatting with a liquor store owner, pouring samples at a tasting, or brainstorming new ideas with Ashley, Willis brings an energy and dedication that’s impossible to fake. His story is proof that your biggest challenges can become your greatest fuel.

Why This Episode Matters

This isn’t just a business story—it’s a human story. If you’ve ever been forced to start over, chase a new dream, or take a leap into the unknown, Willis Blankenship’s journey will hit home.

This episode of UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits is for:

• Entrepreneurs starting from scratch

• Anyone transitioning out of a corporate career

• Fans of Red Rocks Spirits who want to know the people behind the bottle

• Listeners looking for motivation, honesty, and a little grit

Listen Now

🎧 Tune in now to hear Willis Blankenship tell the story behind Red Rocks Spirits in his own words. It’s unfiltered, real, and packed with takeaways for anyone chasing a dream of their own. Listen here or anywhere you like listening to podcasts.

👉 Listen to Ashley’s story here to get the full picture of how Red Rocks Spirits came to life from both sides of the partnership.

📲 Follow us @redrocksspirits on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more behind-the-scenes stories, podcast updates, and spirits news.