Brian Rabon - 30A Distilling
There’s something magical about the Emerald Coast; the way it brings friends and families together for some much-needed rest and relaxation.
“When I turned 21, having a bourbon with my Dad and uncles on the beach was a rite of passage,” said 30A Distilling Co-founder Brian Rabon.
A couple of years ago Brian traded a more than 25-year career in Information Technology for Craft Distilling.
"When I sold my technology company, I was looking for 'what’s next,'" Brian said. "I was a self-proclaimed chemistry nerd in high school, started college in Chemical Engineering, and recently had a best friend open a distillery. Craft Distilling seemed like a perfect fit and a way to exercise the more creative side of my brain."
As a fitness buff, it was very important for Brian to produce healthier spirits; 30A Distilling Co is committed to only using natural ingredients like Chilton County Peaches. Also, Brian wanted to be connected to the local farming community and sources grains from Murphy Farms in Jennings, Florida.
“Just like fine wines have a 'sense of place or terroir,' so do craft spirits," Brian said. "We work with local ingredients, minimally process them, and bottle them at the peak of maturity. You can really taste the difference between our craft and mass-produced whiskeys for instance.”
30A Distilling Company is located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida just north of HWY 98 on HWY 393. Public and VIP tours are offered daily and bookable on our website at 30adistillingco.com.
Dion Moniz- Hand Arendall Harrison Sale
Dion is a partner at Hand Arendall Harrison Sale and serves as the managing lawyer for the firm’s Destin office. He practices primarily in the areas of real estate and business law. Dion is also President of Emerald Coast Title Services. He was named to Florida Trend’s Legal Elite in 2022 and has maintained an “AV Preeminent” Rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 2013.
"I believe in giving back to my community to help make it a better place to live, work and play. Rotary’s motto of 'Service Above Self' says it best; giving back via time and/or treasure not only enriches the lives of others but also brings fulfillment to our own lives."
Dion is active in the local community and believes in giving back. He is currently the Chairman of Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Vice President of Aletha’s Legacy, Area Governor for Rotary District 6940 (Area 5), Board Member of All Sports Association, founding Board Member of the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation, and a member of and 100 Men Who Care – Emerald Coast.
"Managing time between work, philanthropy and family is certainly a challenge. I’m still trying to find the perfect work-life balance and, honestly, I may never find it. I do thoroughly enjoy a good day out on the water and visiting the 'kids' at college to see how they are growing into adulthood and building their own success."
Dion is married to his wonderful wife, Mindy, and has three great kids between them: Rylee, Maddox and Merrick. When he’s not busy working or serving the community, he enjoys spending time with family, boating and, of course, Bourbon.
Scot Andrews - Prime IV Hydration
Scot Andrews, owner of Prime IV Hydration in Destin, has a vast wealth of knowledge when it comes to brands. His first career as a brand consultant for Fortune 500 companies led him to easily recognize a good idea when he saw one. When he began consulting and speaking in the health industry, a brand caught his eye and he decided to spring into the entrepreneur world.
“Amy Meary, the founder of Prime IV is a biologist, and we are business operators that love great brands,” Scot said of him and his wife Donna. "Where healthcare is going is more self-care and self-help and IV therapy is the most efficient way to get the nutrients your body needs.”
With treatments spanning from athlete performance to immune system recovery, Scot said customized care plans are made for every client in order to optimize results. The quality of what they offer can be witnessed by the fact that in just five months, Prime IV has already built a solid client base.
"We make it a spa experience that makes it a very pleasant thing to do to get your nutrients," Scot said.
In addition to his business, Scot is a musician and enjoys playing guitar and mandolin. He and his wife Donna love to dive and are excited to explore artificial reefs in the Destin waters. Scot is also eager to get involved in charity work with a focus on helping young people make wise decisions for the future.
“We want to give back to the community and really want to serve the community well,” Scot said.
Jason Shinholster - White Ox Construction Company
Jason Shinholster remembers starting over again. With just a backpack and a car, he moved to Destin for a fresh start. Thankfully with the help of friends, the once misguided young man found a safe place to live and work. Fast forward 10 years later and Jason is now owner of White Ox Construction Company as well as community outreach pastor for Watershed Community Church in Santa Rosa Beach.
“I made the vow that if I ever had the opportunity to give back and to give someone else a second chance that I would do it,” Jason said.
That’s just what Jason and his wife Jenna have done. Since launching White Ox Construction Company, Jason has intentionally hired men who have just left prison. As part of his ministry, Jason visits Walton County Correctional Institute to mentor men, many of whom struggle with the same temptations he once did.
“My work in my construction company aligns with my role at the church," Jason said. "My focus is outreach towards people that are struggling in life."
Jason is in the beginning phase of launching a non-profit that will provide transitional housing for men who have recently left prison. The idea came from his own story, and will benefit many of the men he currently serves as both mentor and employer.
"When these men get out, I can give them employment, but they do not have a roof over their heads," Jason said. "We feel a need to provide a space for these men to move in, help build a work history, get mentored and transition smoothly into society.”
"I believe in giving back to my community to help make it a better place to live, work and play." Dion Moniz