In the vibrant city of Columbus, Ohio, High Bank Distillery Co. stands as a testament to passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of quality in both spirits and hospitality. Founded by Jordan Helman and his partners, this full-service bar and restaurant has rapidly gained national recognition for its exceptional craft spirits, including whiskey, bourbon, gin, and vodka, all distilled onsite. But High Bank Distillery Co. is more than just a distillery; it’s a story of entrepreneurial vision, community spirit, and the unwavering commitment to creating something special.
Jordan Helman Co-Founder of High Bank Distillery in Columbus Ohio, showcasing expertise in the craft spirits industry.
Jordan Helman, President and Co-Founder of High Bank Distillery Co., embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the business. His journey into the spirits industry was somewhat unconventional, initially sparked by his wife’s successful venture, Zest Juice Company, a cold-pressed juice and smoothie business with multiple locations in Columbus. This foray into foodservice ignited Helman’s passion for the service industry and laid the groundwork for his next endeavor. Partnering with Adam, Zest Juice Company’s graphic designer, whose creative vision and Louisville, Kentucky, roots in Bourbon Country provided the perfect complement to Helman’s operational experience, the idea for High Bank Distillery Co. began to take shape.
Driven by a shared love for spirits, particularly bourbon and whiskey, and a keen observation of a gap in the Ohio distilled spirits market, Helman and Adam envisioned a business that would excel in both craft distilling and high-quality foodservice. They aimed to create a space that was casual yet committed to exceptional service and handmade products. This vision culminated in High Bank Distillery Co., a place where the art of distillation meets the craft of fine dining in a welcoming and approachable setting in Grandview, Ohio.
The early days of High Bank Distillery Co. were met with overwhelming success on the restaurant side. Helman recalls opening to unexpectedly large crowds, quickly realizing they had tapped into a demand for a casual yet quality dining experience. Their formula for success was simple yet potent: offer craft, quality, and handmade food and drinks, coupled with meticulous attention to service, all at a reasonable price point. This approach resonated deeply with the Columbus community, establishing the restaurant as a beloved local hotspot.
However, the true turning point for High Bank Distillery Co., and a moment that validated their vision on a national scale, came from the distillery side of the business. In a remarkable achievement, High Bank Whiskey War Barrel Proof was awarded “Best American Blended Whiskey” at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This accolade, from a competition judged by industry experts with no prior knowledge of High Bank Distillery Co., was a monumental validation of their commitment to crafting exceptional spirits. Being the first Ohio distillery to ever receive this honor further cemented High Bank Distillery Co.’s place in the national craft spirits landscape.
High Bank Distillery Co. in Columbus Ohio, a popular destination known for its craft spirits and restaurant.
For Jordan Helman, being an entrepreneur and business owner is synonymous with freedom and fulfillment. From a young age, he harbored the desire to work for himself, a dream that has manifested into High Bank Distillery Co. While acknowledging the immense hard work and sacrifices inherent in entrepreneurship, Helman emphasizes the unparalleled satisfaction of building something from the ground up, driven by one’s own vision. This sense of ownership and the ability to pursue his own dream is what he finds most rewarding about his entrepreneurial journey.
Interestingly, Helman’s professional background prior to High Bank Distillery Co. was in corporate America, spending several years in the insurance industry at Nationwide Insurance and Motorists Insurance. He credits this experience with instilling a sense of structure and operational discipline that has been invaluable in the often less structured restaurant industry. This corporate foundation, combined with a passion for hospitality and craft spirits, has enabled High Bank Distillery Co. to operate with a unique blend of creativity and efficiency.
Columbus, Ohio, plays a significant role in the story of High Bank Distillery Co. A lifelong resident of Columbus, Helman deeply appreciates the city’s strong sense of local pride and community support for local businesses. He highlights the unique passion Columbus residents have for their city, consistently showing up for local ventures. This supportive environment has been crucial to High Bank Distillery Co.’s success, fostering a loyal customer base and a sense of belonging within the Columbus community.
When asked about the number one piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Helman stresses the importance of understanding the sheer amount of hard work and sacrifice required. He dispels the notion of entrepreneurship as glamorous, emphasizing the long hours, missed personal events, and unwavering dedication necessary to build a successful business. While acknowledging that some may find success more easily, Helman believes that for most, the entrepreneurial path demands significant sacrifices and a willingness to persevere through challenges. He encourages aspiring business owners to be prepared to “fight for it” and make uncomfortable sacrifices, driven by a strong belief in their vision.
Jordan Helman Co-Founder of High Bank Distillery Columbus Ohio, discussing the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
The most challenging aspect of running High Bank Distillery Co., according to Helman, revolves around people. He emphasizes the critical importance of a talented and dedicated team, recognizing that the success of the business ultimately rests on the shoulders of their employees. Ensuring that their team feels valued, invested in, and works for a good company is a constant concern for Helman. He understands that their people are the driving force behind High Bank Distillery Co.’s achievements and their well-being is paramount.
Reflecting on why some businesses fail, Helman points to a lack of unwavering dedication and willingness to put in the extraordinary hours required. While careful not to judge others’ journeys, he candidly admits his own relentless work ethic and willingness to sacrifice personal time for his business. He believes that this “I will put everything into this” mentality is a recurring trait among successful entrepreneurs. He acknowledges that while some may achieve success with less intense dedication, for many, building a thriving business necessitates significant sacrifice and an unwavering commitment.
High Bank Distillery Co. Columbus Ohio, showcasing the distillery's interior and craft spirit production.
In terms of essential tools for his business, Helman unequivocally points to his team. He underscores the importance of surrounding himself with individuals possessing skills that complement his own, highlighting the crucial role of their in-house controller in providing timely financial data. This access to real-time financial insights has been a game-changer for High Bank Distillery Co., particularly in the tight-margin restaurant industry, enabling informed decision-making and swift pivots when necessary. He emphasizes that the collective talent of their team is the cornerstone of their success, citing accolades like being named “Best Creative Cocktails” by 614 Magazine for two consecutive years as direct results of their team’s expertise.
Marketing is another area where High Bank Distillery Co. invests significantly. While acknowledging that some businesses have thrived with minimal marketing expenditure, Helman views marketing as a vital tool for growth and brand building. Beyond simply driving sales, he sees marketing as an opportunity to communicate the essence of High Bank Distillery Co., its passions, and its behind-the-scenes story. This investment in marketing, particularly in video content and social media, reflects their commitment to building a strong brand identity and connecting with their audience on a deeper level. Video content, in particular, has become a major focus, representing a significant marketing investment for the distillery.
Looking ahead, Jordan Helman expresses excitement about the future growth of High Bank Distillery Co. With new locations in the pipeline, he is enthusiastic about expanding their reach and impact. Despite the challenges posed by the recent global events, High Bank Distillery Co. has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, finding ways to thrive even in difficult circumstances. These pivots and strategic decisions during challenging times have positioned them for continued growth and positive momentum.
For professional resources in Columbus, Helman recommends GBQ, an accounting firm, and Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, a legal firm. He credits these partners with providing invaluable support, ensuring High Bank Distillery Co. is well-positioned for continued success.
Jordan Helman Co-Founder of High Bank Distillery in Columbus OH, discussing the future vision for the company.
In the next 10 years, Helman envisions High Bank Distillery Co. as a leader not just in Ohio, but throughout the Midwest. While remaining deeply committed to their Ohio roots and striving to be the best in their home state, he anticipates growth will naturally extend beyond state borders. However, size is not the primary objective. The overarching goal for High Bank Distillery Co., both for the restaurant and distillery sides, is to be recognized for being the best in what they do, consistently striving for excellence in quality, service, and craft spirits. This pursuit of being “the best” is the driving force behind their daily operations and long-term vision.
Regarding the long-term future and end goal for High Bank Distillery Co., Helman acknowledges the importance of family, with multiple children among the partners. While not having a predetermined exit strategy, he remains open to opportunities that could significantly benefit their families. However, he also recognizes the unique appeal of building a legacy brand, particularly in the wake of their recent national whiskey award. The prospect of establishing High Bank Distillery Co. as a nationally recognized distillery with a rich history is a compelling vision. Ultimately, Helman emphasizes a focus on the present, working diligently to build the best business possible and allowing the future to unfold organically.
When asked about entrepreneurs he admires, Helman names Elon Musk for his world-changing innovations and John Lanni of Thunderdome Restaurant Group for his impressive restaurant empire in Cincinnati. He expresses admiration for Lanni’s success and the scale of his restaurant group, aspiring to achieve similar heights in the hospitality industry.
Finally, for visitors to Columbus, Jordan Helman recommends experiencing a Columbus Blue Jackets hockey game, highlighting the incredible atmosphere, especially when the team is performing well. As a pizza enthusiast, he also suggests Enrico’s in Dublin as a must-try pizza spot, praising its authentic Italian family 운영 and exceptional product. These recommendations offer a glimpse into Helman’s Columbus favorites and a taste of the city’s vibrant culture and culinary scene, mirroring the spirit of High Bank Distillery Co. – local, passionate, and dedicated to quality.
