In this episode of Discover the Difference, hosts Jamie and Ben sit down with Preston Caffrey. This episode dives into Preston’s unlikely journey from aspiring elementary school teacher and mortgage broker to co-founding Bebemos, a premium tequila brand rooted in family partnerships in Mexico. He shares how his wife’s champagne club inspired the business model, why honoring agave farmers’ stories is central to the brand, and how Bebemos blends authentic culture with a nostalgic Southern California vibe.
Show Highlights:
[00:11] – Moving from Santa Cruz to Ocean Beach, baseball at SDSU, and early OB life
[01:40] – Career pivot from aspiring teacher to 22 years as a mortgage broker
[03:12] – Inspiration from his wife’s champagne club and launching We Drink Tequila
[05:37] – Partnering with agave farmers and creating BMOs
[07:41] – Building trust in Mexican culture and leading with relationships
[09:22] – Tequila trips, tasting culture, and navigating challenges in Mexico
[11:30] – Creating the BMOs brand vibe: late ‘60s/early ‘70s Southern California
[15:54] – Entering a crowded market, launching BMOs, and introducing the Hoven blend
[17:38] – Surprising traditions: tequila bottle service in Mexican restaurants
[21:37] – Scaling with one family partner and protecting the partnership
[25:50] – Storytelling vs. authenticity arms race in the tequila industry
[29:25] – Award-winning bottle design and patented screw-off cap
[32:52] – Facing doubt, raising capital, and creating a unique pitch deck
[36:44] – Miracles and breakthroughs: from perfecting the blend to 100+ accounts
[39:27] – Building the team: Tyler Wilkinson and the importance of culture fit
[43:24] – What BMOs pairs best with: music and moments
[44:49] – The origin of the name “BMOs” and its community focus
[46:16] – Creative director Patrick Tracy’s impact on BMOs’ look and feel
[52:26] – Raising capital lessons from past ventures
[55:41] – Leadership lessons: the parable of the Chinese farmer
[58:00] – Preston’s differentiator: obsessive drive balanced with optimism
