Rebel with a still: FEW Spirits founder Paul Hletko has built one of the most successful whiskey companies. His own way.
In the bustling spirits industry, FEW Spirits is a powerhouse brand, ranking among the top 30 whiskey makers globally.
But sitting down with founder Paul Hletko in his unassuming 2,700-square-foot distillery tucked away in an Evanston (IL) alley reveals a story far more compelling than mere business success.
Yet at his core, Paul is driven by two fundamental forces: an insatiable desire to create something new each day and what he describes as a "hatred of authority."
This combination helped forge his path as an entrepreneur, though it took several failed ventures before finding his calling in spirits.
The foundation of his work ethic and sense of purpose can be traced back to his father, a pediatrician whose influence looms large over Paul’s approach to business and life.
His father not only maintained a thriving medical practice but also launched a mobile healthcare van to provide free medical care to migrant farm workers in Southwest Michigan.
Additionally, both his parents were instrumental in the car seat and seat belt movement, leaving a legacy that continues to save lives today.
Perhaps most revealing is Paul’s philosophical take on success.
"There is no such thing as success," he maintains, arguing instead that "success is the journey."
He pushes back against the American obsession with achieving specific markers of success, emphasizing instead the importance of living life on your own terms.
This philosophy manifests in Paul’s unpretentious demeanor, even as his status in the industry has grown to celebrity proportions.
At a recent Smashing Pumpkins concert, while others marveled at his presence and multiple layers of approval were required for his attendance, Paul remained characteristically down-to-earth, describing himself as simply "a dorky suburban dad from the Northern suburbs of Chicago."
From its first sale in August 2011 to today, FEW Spirits has grown from zero to becoming a globally recognized brand, eventually joining the Heaven Hill family of spirits.
Yet through it all, Paul has maintained his focus on the journey rather than the destination, creating exceptional spirits while remaining true to his authentic self.
His advice to his younger self?
Simple but profound: "Life gets good, man. Life is pretty freaking cool!"
Despite being one of the top 30 whiskey brands globally, FEW Spirits' success isn't measured by its founder Paul Hletko only in sales or status, but also in staying true to his core values of creating something new every day and forging his own path.
From his father's influential example of combining hard work with giving back, to his philosophical view that "success is the journey," Paul has built more than just a distillery in an Evanston alley – he's created a testament to the power of authentic entrepreneurship.