Sandy Boschman - Spreading Spirits and Smiles across Saskatchewan
Oct 03, 2024
Meet Sandy!
Though there's a chance you've already met...
Sandy is one of those people who just seems know someone everywhere he goes. If you haven't been lucky enough to know him personally yet, then you may recognize him as one of the many smiling faces around the distillery – or at least from his portrait proudly displayed on our retail store wall. Sandy has been with Lucky Bastard since the early stages of the business and has become an integral part of the team, with nearly a decade of distillery experience under his belt.
He has worn many hats – starting as a laborer bottling product on the night shift, then working his way up to bar management and hosting cocktail classes in the event room. “I basically just helped out with anything wherever I was needed,” he explained.
As a jack-of-all-trades Sandy has, in one way or another, worked in every department at Lucky Bastard Distillers – eventually finding his place by assuming his role as our Northern Saskatchewan sales representative, serving communities across central and northern Saskatchewan.
He said his favorite part of working in sales has been the opportunity to see customers and wholesalers face-to-face.
“I like to check in and see how clients are doing, or see if they need anything – because we truly care about our customers.”
Offering value to his clients isn’t the only thing that drives Sandy’s new passion for sales. He said that every element of production is meticulously monitored to ensure that Lucky Bastard products are of top quality – and will remain as such.
“Since I started, we have upgraded the filtration system numerous times, we are on our third mash kettle, and we are continuously trying to improve – which is something we take a lot of pride in.”
Sandy joined Lucky Bastard shortly after the business got up and running and has been around for many of the ups and downs. He added that those trials and tribulations are what have made the brand what it is today. “We’ve had some hits and misses over the years, but that’s just part of this business. And I think those learning experiences got us to the level we’re at now,” he said.
“We were the first distillery to open in Saskatoon since prohibition ended, and were among only two in the entire province. Now there are something like 27 – and we are one of the originals, so that has been incredible to be a part of,” he added.
“I love the story behind our brand, and I love our company values. We are an open book, with an open-door policy – so the first thing I do is encourage clients to go to the distillery and take a tour or do a tasting. The products speak for themselves.”
Sandy highlighted the versatility of Lucky Bastard products, saying how enjoyable it is to work with such dynamic spirits. He said: “I always tell people to go play around with our drinks and our recipes because they have been so fun to create."
"If a client likes a product, we have a catalogue of recipes we can offer them to help inspire some creativity in their own customers – and even help them sell more products along the way.”
He added that you don’t have to be a mixologist to shake things up a bit. “Everybody can mix a cocktail, but not everyone is an expert which is why we have an arsenal of easy, medium and more difficult cocktail recipes to choose from – so there is literally something for everyone.”
When it comes to his own bar, there are a few products Sandy likes to keep on hand. “My favorite vodka of all time is easily the Lucky Bastard Coconut Lime Vodka, I really enjoy it in a coconut mule or a coconut margarita,” he said.
“But my favorite product overall is the Carmine Jewel. I have been waiting three long years, and hoarding a bottle at my house just in case it never came back on the shelves. People should be very excited about that, because it is just the best thing ever.”
Sandy’s efforts are greatly appreciated, and his enthusiasm is unmatched. If you see him around Saskatoon or the various communities in central and northern Saskatchewan that he frequents, the first thing you will notice is his welcoming personality – which is valued by colleagues and customers alike.