If You Like Vodka And Dogs, Tito's Is The Brand For You
While Tito’s Vodka is known for being a high-quality liquor, many might not be aware that the company has been dedicated to helping out dogs in need even before the brand found mainstream success. Bert Butler “Tito” Beveridge II, founder and CEO of the brand, began his career selling spirits in the early 1990s by infusing cheap vodka when he was still working as a mortgage broker. Tito, who has an educational background in geology and geophysics, would host large social gatherings and line up dozens of vodka, including his own infusions for his friends to try. He knew he had something promising when those at the tasting parties would pick his creation as their preferred choice. Due to this, he was known as the “vodka guy” and eventually became the first person to receive their liquor license in the state of Texas.
During the company’s humble beginnings, Tito’s distillery consisted of a shack in South-East Austin, where his loyal dog, Dogjo, a shepherd mix, was both his dear friend and protector.
“Dogjo was with me the whole time. I still can’t talk about her without tearing up,” said Tito in an interview with the New York Times.
Soon, however, Dogjo’s dog food brought in local strays, many of which were not in the best of shape. Tito did what he could and proceeded to feed and clean up the pooches when he was able. Occasionally, the dogs would end up being adopted by truck drivers who were dropping off glass and were looking for companionship.
Recently, on The Woof Life Show we were given the opportunity to speak to Beth Bellanti, who currently has the complete dream job of being the program manager for Tito’s Vodka for Dog People. Prior to working for the company, she held the position of Regional Music Director at Jim Beam Music, where she toured with bands such as Maroon 5.
“I was in big board rooms at liquor companies with you know a bunch of executives who thought they could translate what was happening on the street that I was doing and so I thought there's such a disconnect between what I'm doing and who I'm working with… to these guys that are just like sitting in an office all day....” explained Beth. “Meanwhile I saw Tito on the news and I thought his poor soul, all the liquor companies are now owned by monopolies and he thinks he’s going to be okay in his little shack.”
While she was still working for Jim Beam, Beth happened to run into Tito and offered him some marketing advice to better push his product. According to Beth, Tito stated that he was not in a place where he could financially support a team and she responded by saying that she was not looking for a job. However, Jim Beam eventually shut down its music program and Beth joined Tito’s as an unpaid employee, as “a favor to [him]” because she really believed in the product.
She explained when she started with the company 16 years ago as a marketing director, she felt she needed to do something to better help the strays that were surrounding the distillery. At the time, however, Tito was $80,000 in debt, so there was little the company could do to help out the pooches. Beth, who has a long history of rescuing dogs, decided to remedy the situation by partnering with a low-cost clinic based in Austin called Emancipet.
“[Emancipet] would get all these strays fixed up and I would post them on social media to try to get them adopted,” stated Beth.
Due to the fact that the pictures of the pups were getting more engagement than the uploads regarding the actual product, Beth was requested to make a seperate domain that was focused on dogs, called Vodka for Dog People.
In addition, about seven years ago, the company began attending dog benefits at local bars in the Austin area, as a way to raise more money for dogs in need. Soon members of the Tito’s sales force expressed interest in going to similar events throughout the nation in partnership with “community shelters and programs.” Despite the fact that Beth was working full time as the company’s Relationship Marketing Manager, she ended up taking the time to train the employees to work at the events. Beth noted that the company currently assists with “1000 animal welfare-related activations a year,” where they “work with nonprofits and empower them in their own fundraising.”
On top of that, Tito’s has a dedicated philanthropy department that is focused on helping nonprofits thrive.
“Now Tito jokes that we are a philanthropic events company that sells vodka on the side,” said Beth.
Tito’s Vodka is also focused on “paying it forward” and Emancipet is one of the company’s “legacy beneficiaries.” Thee nonprofit has been able to “[expand] to seven clinics.” In addition, they hold a school for any other rescue or clinics … to learn a really efficient amazing business model for [spaying and neutering],” something that Beth, who owns four adopted dogs and has been a dog foster parent, is extremely passionate about.
If you are interested in helping Tito’s to fight the good fight head over to https://www.titosvodka.com/dogs/ and purchase Tito’s merchandise made just for dogs, such as leashes and toys shaped like vodka bottles. 100% of their proceeds go directly to a non-profit that they have partnered with, including Emancipet.