#66: Come Hell or High Water

Path to Progress with Paul Heintzman and John Ackerman

Maud & Stirling Welch, Owners of Hell or High Water, join us to discuss the process of opening a 1920s speakeasy in Downtown Louisville.

Some questions answered in this episode:

• What gave them the idea to open a speakeasy?
• Did you have any prior experience operating a bar?
• What was the process of planning and opening the bar?
• What attracted Maud & Stirling to the Hell or High Water space?
• What happened to the space that forced the planning process to take 3 years?
• How did you decide on the name Hell or High Water?
• What have been the biggest failures and successes so far?
• Where did you draw inspiration for the space and for the drinks?
• How does the experience at Hell or High Water differ from other bars?
• Why did Maud move back to Louisville from New York City?
• What are the ways the speakeasy is marketed?
• What does your day to day look like at the bar?

Last call:

• What advice would you give to somebody wanting to open a bar?
  • Be aware of the time commitment and that everything in the space could be damaged. - Maud
• What is your definition of success?
  • When Hell or High Water has the reputation for the place in Louisville to get great drinks and spirits and is comparable to anywhere across the country. - Stirling
  • Be a source of positive hospitality in the community. - Maud
• What advice would your 60 year old self give you today?
  • Start a business in the same city you live. - Stirling
  • Have conviction in your vision and make sure it is communicated well. - Maud
• What's the best purchase you've made in the last six months?
  • Engagement ring. - Stirling
  • The books in the bar. - Maud
• What is a book/documentary/podcast you would recommend?
  • The English Patient. - Maud
  • All About Love. - Stirling
  • Marriage, A History. - Stirling
• What's your favorite thing to drink?
  • St. George Gin & Fever-Tree Tonic. - Maud
  • Old Forester Classic 86 Proof. - Stirling

Shoutouts:

• Sleep No More New York
• DJ Glittertitz
• Automated Living LLC
• Galaxie Bar
• Rye on Market
• “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” - Howard Thurman

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to visit Hell or High Water at 112 West Washington St, Louisville, KY 40204, and follow them on Instagram. Have any topics you want to be covered or amazing people you’d like us to interview? Let us know! You can email us at [email protected]. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin. Please be sure to subscribe to our weekly mailing list at drunkenmoney.com/subscribe.