Early Life
Bert "Tito" Beveridge was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He attended Vanderbilt University for a year and later graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in geology and geophysics. Before entering the spirits industry, Beveridge worked in the oil and gas sector, and even had a stint in the mortgage business.
Rise to Success
In the early 1990s, while in Austin, Beveridge started making flavored vodkas as gifts for friends. Liquor store owners encouraged him to create a smoother, unflavored vodka. In 1997, he founded Fifth Generation, Inc., and the Mockingbird Distillery, producing Tito's Handmade Vodka. He started the company by borrowing $90,000 using 19 credit cards.
Key Business Strategies
Tito's Handmade Vodka distinguishes itself through its use of yellow corn and a small-batch production process using old-fashioned pot stills. The brand gained recognition after winning the Double Gold Medal at the 2001 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The company's dedication to quality, coupled with a focus on community and philanthropy, has contributed to its significant market presence.
Philanthropy
Tito's Vodka has a strong philanthropic arm, donating proceeds from its online store to nonprofits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company shifted production to create hand sanitizer. Additionally, Tito's has supported local initiatives and community gardens.