Matt and Stephanie Eau Claire, a husband and wife team who are enrolled in the Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, could never have imagined that their reputation as “liquor snobs” would evolve into a seven-figure business.
One night at a poker party, the Eau Claires received a still as a gift from their friends. They quickly realized they needed several permits to legally distill spirits. Initially, they founded Clear Water Distilling Co. to cover the permit costs. However, they soon discovered a passion for distilling and creating unique, innovative liquors, transforming their hobby into a thriving business.
The first item Matt ever distilled was a sangria. Expecting it to be horrible, he was pleasantly surprised by the flavor. This success inspired him to continue distilling the most creative and unusual spirits he could think of.
“Other distilleries are making standard stuff like vodka and whiskey,” Matt said. “We are creating something cool and unique that no one has ever had.”
Clear Water Distilling Co. has since expanded into a large distillery offering tours and shipping nationwide. Since its debut in 2020, the company has won several awards, solidifying its reputation in the industry.
Clear Water Distilling Co. is built on two core principles: quality and innovation. The company is dedicated to producing the finest spirits without compromising on quality for profitability. Unlike many spirit producers who prioritize commodity production, Clear Water Distilling Co. aims to create unique, high-quality spirits that stand out in the market.
As Clear Water Distilling Co. gained traction and profitability, the Eau Claires knew it was time to scale. Matt’s background in software provided some preparation for business ownership, but he recognized gaps in his knowledge. Inspired by a recommendation and motivated to fill these gaps, the Eau Claires decided to enroll in the Master of Business Creation program.
Matt said “the single most valuable thing” he has gained from the program was the simplification of their financial model. Previously, the Eau Claires struggled with a large, complicated financial matrix. After completing the MBC program, they were able to streamline their financial model, aligning it with the language understood by investors, banks, and business professionals.
“Having all that coursework apply to your already established business, you can’t beat that model. Other programs are theoretical — most of the coursework is centered around things that are not concrete. In the MBC, you can derive from it almost immediately,” Matt said.
Clear Water Distilling Co. is growing rapidly and in the last year has expanded its shipping locations and employees.
The Eau Claires are excited about the prospect of expanding internationally and introducing new products. Clear Water Distilling Co. is already renowned for their innovative spirit Josephine, a blend of fresh apple, pear, mango, peach, strawberry, and blueberry. They hope to expand to Hawaii, where they plan to craft unique spirits using exotic fruits like cashew apples and mountain apples.
Learn more about Clear Water Distilling Co at ClearWaterDistilling.com
Clear Water Distilling Co. creates unique, high-quality spirits.
