Meet Derek Sisson

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derek Sisson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My entrepreneurial story began upon exiting active duty in the Marines and moving to Puerto Rico. Transition was difficult because the skills that I learned didn’t necessarily translate into a job in the civilian sector. There wasn’t many companies looking for a Reconnaissance Airborne Marine to become their next office manager so I was in many ways forced to become an entrepreneur. I saw an opening in Puerto Rico in the tourism industry at the time for what is now defined as Eco Tourism. Instead of taking tourists in large buses to the Rain Forest I would take them hiking into the Rain Forest., I also used my skill set to take them Rappelling, Kayaking in the Bioluminescence Bay and diving in more remote areas. I did a business reconnaissance and discovered and opening and jumped out of the plane again, so to speak. Upon returning to the mainland United States after selling my portion of the business I had the entrepreneurial fever and wasn’t interested in punching a clock!
I took a full time sales position with the idea of using the position to support my dream of becoming a brand owner within the spirits industry. With that being said I knew I needed the tools to be successful in this new endeavour so I took in one step at a time and learned every aspect of it. First becoming an importer, then a distributor for five years and when I felt the time was right a brand owner. This journey allowed me to learn compliance, logistics, sales and allowed me to build strong alliances within the industry. Merica Bourbon is now in 43 States and Walmart nationwide due to fact that this time gave me the experience and knowledge to create a team based on integrity, understanding of the in and outs of the business and seeing the successes and failures of brands along the way. It gave me the roadmap to doing business the right way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Dallas is such a vibrant and ever changing environment as a city it’s hard to pinpoint what that adventure might look like but it would definitely be done on motorcycles if they rode. I love the smells and sounds of the restaurants, city parks and the energy of the Dallas Nightlife and amazing restaurant scene. I would try to show them all the city has to offer! We would make a stop at The Statler Hotel, Dinner at Bullion, a little shopping at Ellis Denim, After shopping a few drinks at Midnight Rambler amd finish up at The Hide.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
For me it starts with Faith. You must give all glory to whatever higher power you believe in. Without this belief it would be definitely more challenging to pursue your career and dreams. For me the Marine Corps gave me the self discipline to understand as a business owner it all starts and ends with me, Giving me the leadership skills to take care of my employees first and be an example for them to want to follow. God has put many mentors in my path to teach me many lessons regarding business, life, morality and patience. For all this I am extremely humbled and grateful.

Website: www.Mericabourbon.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/mericabourbon

Linkedin: www.Linkedin.com/dereksisson

Facebook: Facebook.com/Mericabourbon

Other: Merchandise available www.Merica4U.com Buy Mericabourbon online at www.caskcartel.com/Mericabourbon