Meet Niko Loyatho of Orange County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Niko Loyatho.

Hi Niko, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I studied economics at Columbia University and writing at Chapman but my real education came from what I did to pay for it: bartending. I’ve workin dives and fine dining from California to New York.

I was wrapping up grad school when I joined Nosotros Tequila & Mezcal (it was only tequila then). In 2018, we were only six people and a labrador named Repo. I thought I’d get a couple years of experience and bounce. Now, seven years later, Nosotros is my family.

When I’m not on the road for Nosotros, I’m a fiend for golf, hockey, snowboarding, travel, food, drinks, and good books. In the early morning, before I start my work day, I write. My first novel about a group of snowboarders drops next year.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. When I started at Nosotros, it was the middle of the celebrity tequila boom. The market was flooded with brands and no one was looking for another tequila. However our quality and unique product opened doors and we kept at it. It was also my first job in sales which is not easy. Developing thick skin is a simple process of sustaining a lot of scars. Still, there have been a lot of great times along the way and I wouldn’t trade my team for anyone. We are now the largest independently-owned tequila company in California but we still have a long way to go.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My job is sales. My task with Nosotros is, above all else, to grow our business. It’s my job to work with buyers at bars, restaurants, grocery and liquor stores. On paper, my job isn’t creative but I handle a very competitive market and creativity is a powerful tool. Some time ago I started making social media reels as a way of supporting our partners. This has developed into a fun creative outlet and a great asset for getting the word out there on what makes Nosotros special.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Priorities are ever-changing. My wife and I just had our first son only seven weeks ago. Parenthood is a wild ride that makes things much harder and more wonderful. Providing for my family is at the top of my list. Nosotros has been a wonderful journey of growing a business while staying true to our core value of providing value. We make an excellent, uncompromising product, and we build healthy, longterm partnerships. Good product and good relationships are what matter most to me.

Beside that is my personal goal of becoming a professional fiction writer. I’ve been a story junky (both books and movies) since I was a kid. Stories can inspire, teach, strengthen, and give us more empathy for the people around us. My appetite for a good story is insatiable. I want to bring my own to life.

Pricing:

• Blanco $40
• Reposado $45
• Añejo $95
• Mezcal ensamble $60
• Mezcal mexicano $45

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nosotrostequila.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikoloya/ and https://www.instagram.com/nosotros/