Company/organization description
Maura Clare founded Long Arm Distributing to fulfill her dream of producing, importing and marketing premium Irish poitín--one of the world's most ancient liquors and the hippest, new spirit around. LAD's high standards are evident not only in the finest-tasting poitín, but reflected in superior package design, uplifting marketing messaging and innovative distribution practices. This has allowed LAD to punch above its weight in a market dominated by large corporations.
Tell us about the entrepreneurial milestones you accomplished?
During the pandemic, Maura moved back to her native Connecticut, due to its ideal market location and start up communities/support. Accomplished in 2021: founding the CT LLC, first full run of poitín (post R&D), package design, compliance, trademark, advertising design and strategy, importing over 7000 bottles, warehousing, and initial routes to market established.
What type of entrepreneur are you?
Scalable Venture - regional, national, or global business focus
What CT entrepreneur ecosystem resources have helped you succeed?
Great mentors and webinars from SCORE and CTSBDC. Networking via the Ireland Connecticut Business Council. Selected as 1 of 4 women entrepreneura to receive free office space at District New Haven for a year, which provided wonderful networking/encouragement and led to an affordable start up legal package with Murtha Cullina. Networking/encouragement/programming from Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. Excellent student interns matched by Yale Entrepreneurial Society. Now, this nominations
Nominator Justification
Although she only moved back to the area 18 months ago, Maura has jumped wholeheartedly into the CT entrepreneur community. Within this short time she has launched her exciting new spirit Smuggling Nun, the best on the market of the ancient Irish 'moonshine' poitin, has become an active and enthusiastic member at District CoWork and an inspiring member of the local Irish-American community. Her enthusiasm, spirit, along with her knowledge and dedication make her an extraordinary entrepreneur.
