The name "Blanton's" is synonymous with quality today in the bourbon industry. But one of his greatest achievements most people don't know about, and it's a worthwhile story for anyone facing the challenge of leading people and a company through choppy waters. Literally.
In late January, 1937, thick, grey storm clouds rained down for 22 straight days over a 600 mile stretch from Pittsburgh, PA to Illinois, including much of Kentucky. In the history books it is described as the Great Flood of 1937, and "a flood of biblical proportions".
Over a million people were left homeless. Martial law had to be declared in several towns and cities, to maintain order and assist emergency services.
It was an enormously stressful time, dealing with the disaster, and it's effects on the community, infrastructure, and basic needs like food and clean water.
This was a time of manufacturing and mills. Many of the businesses that were damaged were plants, and of all sizes.
Albert Blanton was running the George T. Stagg Distillery at the time. As the storm raged, many evacuated the area, hoping to come back to something.
Blanton asked a few workers to stay behind with him, and try to protect what they could of the valuable distillery machinery, equipment and inventory.
Many businesses never recovered, their operations - and bank accounts - damaged beyond repair. The companies that were able to get back in business took months to recover. But Blanton's operations, because he and a few others braved the threats, were up and running within two days after the storm ended.
In the face of danger, he showed courage. Under the severest conditions, he showed decisiveness. Under a cloud of uncertainty, he displayed determined leadership.
The next time you hear someone at a restaurant order a Blanton's...or....the next time you are feeling the strain of a tough situation, think about Albert Blanton, who definitely knew how to weather a storm.
- Are there Albert Blanton's in your organization?
- Who are the people showing up with passion and smarts?
- Do they feel like their company is investing in them?
#leadership #Blantons #BuffaloTrace #courage
TODAY IN BOURBON HISTORY, February 28
ALBERT BACON BLANTON was born in 1881 near the Old Fire and Copper distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. By the age of 16, Albert landed a job in the distillery’s warehouse, and worked his way through the company when by 1921, just one year after Prohibition was enacted, he became President. Blanton is credited with keeping the distillery alive as he was granted one of the six medicinal whiskey licenses issued by the federal government. Colonel Blanton died in 1959, leaving a 55-year legacy that lives on today in “Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon.” His protégé, Elmer T. Lee, honored his mentor by naming the world’s first single barrel bourbon after Albert Bacon Blanton. Learn more about Albert Blanton and his story here: https://lnkd.in/gYyhTjxX
#WhikseyNews #WhiskeyUniversity #Bourbon