"Curiosity about the competitive layout of the U.S. spirits industry led to the creation of this book — and to the discovery that over 500 Black-owned spirit brands were hiding in plain sight."
"The proof is in the story.
The lore is in the bottle."
Kevin O. Thomas was born in Manhattan, New York — the only child of a market researcher for Rheingold Beer and a public school educator. A prodigy in mathematics, Kevin always had an interest in financial services and forecasting.
His calling found its name at Seagram Americas, where he spent years in industry analysis, competitive intelligence, and strategic planning. It was there — guided by a revelation from his then-ill mother — that Kevin understood this was his destiny.
Kevin spent 12 years in distilled spirits and another 12 in music entertainment, book, magazine, and digital publishing. After a 30-year corporate finance career, he held a CFO role for a cyber/physical security consultancy designing RF intelligence platforms.
"Margin delivery is a more valued attribute in brand management than case turnover. The exceptional margins from the smallest batches of premium spirits can keep a business afloat while staying under the radar of major competitors."
It was curiosity about the competitive landscape — and genuine surprise at discovering over 500 spirit brands being sold by African Americans — that gave birth to Proof Lore. Kevin lives near White Plains, NY, married to a high school educator, with two grown children and two dogs.
Industry analyst and competitive intelligence operative for the House of Seagram — developing deep expertise in spirits market analysis, competitive positioning, and strategic planning.
12 Years in SpiritsTransitioned to music entertainment, book, magazine, digital publishing, and video/online game publishing — bringing the same analytical rigor to creative industries.
12 Years in PublishingA series of entrepreneurial pursuits culminating in a CFO role for a cyber/physical security consultancy and RF intelligence platform designer in the DMV area.
CFO · Corporate FinanceThe culmination of a 30-year career: the most comprehensive guide ever assembled to Black-owned distilled spirit enterprises in the United States. All rights available.
160 Producers · 517 ExpressionsI hope that my study can help Black entrepreneurs gain more visibility to their business and give the readership some intelligence on the U.S. industry. This study is really a tribute to the brave and diligent Black business owner.— Kevin O. Thomas, from the Introduction to Proof Lore
Proof Lore is the product of a lifetime of expertise applied to a subject the industry was overdue to address. Manuscript complete. All rights available.
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