Leonard Firestone: TX Whiskey (Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co.) Cofounder

Feb 7

Leonard Firestone is the co-founder of Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co, known for its distinctive products, TX Bourbon and TX Whiskey. After exiting in 2019, Leonard embraced public service and is currently representing District 7 on the Fort Worth City Council.

After working in broadcast television, Leonard exited from a venture and was inspired by an article he read about Tito’s Handmade Vodka. As his idea for a whiskey distilled in Texas grew, he received encouragement and advice from family in the wine industry early on. It wasn’t a fortuitous first meeting with Troy that created their partnership, but ironically someone else who realized the two men shared a dream.

One of the hurdles Troy and Leonard had to overcome was educating people about bourbon, but they learned a lot along the way as well. Leonard explains what jugging is and how connections at TCU helped out in a big way. Leonard credits TX Whiskey’s runaway success to a single strategic marketing approach—which he shares with Jamey.

Although Troy and Leonard talked from the beginning about scaling and eventually selling, they were willing to say no until they were ready, which gave them a lot of leverage. Now as a public servant representing District 7 on the Fort Worth City Council, Leonard leans on his experience as an entrepreneur, saying it often helps him see both sides of an issue.

In this episode, Leonard takes us from the inspiration for a Texas whiskey all the way through its fulfillment. From connecting to his business partner, Troy Robertson, to finding the land that became Whiskey Ranch, there were many providential moments throughout the company’s founding. Having exited from Firestone & Robertson, Leonard gives back to the community by serving as the District 7 Councilmember. Don’t miss his incredible details he shares about how the TX Bourbon acquired its distinct flavor.

Find the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts