As an entertainment lawyer, Rocky Patel was introduced to fine cigars on the back lots of Hollywood studios. Cigars quickly became his passion, so when got the opportunity to create his own brand, he developed the Indian Tabac Cigar Company with great success. Since then, he has created the Rocky Patel Vintage series, and his company now distributes upwards of 20 million cigars annually.
Stonewall Kitchen
In 1991, Jonathan King and Jim Stott began making jams and jellies to sell at a local farmer's market. The products were a hit, so they decided to start a business called Stonewall Kitchen. Twenty years later, they can produce more than 50 thousand jars of jams, barbeque and dessert sauces a day and expect to exceed $50 million in sales this year.
VeeV Acai Spirit
In 2007, brothers Carter and Courtney Reum left their jobs to move to California and start an acai liquor brand — VeeV. The move was prompted by the state's law which allows liquor brands to self-distribute. VeeV, the world's first acai spirit, is produced in a wind-powered distillery and certified carbon neutral. Recently, the company created a new cocktail menu for Ruby Tuesday's which is expected to be a boon for revenues.
