our team

 
Florida Distiller Brian Rabon, Founder of 30A Distilling Co

Brian’s Story

Founder Brian Rabon’s 30A story starts like so many others — a southern kid who spent every summer at the beach with his family. The beaches along 30A became a second home, the setting for all his favorite childhood memories and the place he wanted to always be. He visited frequently throughout his early adult years and became a resident of the community in 2015, splitting his time between Salt Lake City, UT, and Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Distilling was always pulling at Brian from the edges. He studied Computer Science in school and went on to found a software consulting company, but his high school chemistry teacher Mrs. Richardson left him with a real appreciation for the subject — especially the lab experiments. After graduating, he began home brewing, moonlighting as a bartender at private parties, and started collecting spirits from around the world. 

In 2019, Brian’s lifelong best friend Dr. Thomas Soltau opened Sugarfield Spirits, after many years of sharing and sipping spirits together. Brian jumped at the opportunity to learn about the biz, and began apprenticing with Thomas. Additional study led to an unshakeable passion for distilling and the creation of 30A Distilling Co. 

 
 

Scott’s Story

Co-Owner and Sales Consultant Scott spent his childhood visiting his grandparents on 30A and staying with them in Inlet Beach. His grandparents built a house in 1975 right next to their cousins, Judy and Jerome Winston. The street their house is built on was later named Winston Lane. With such a long history of time spent on 30A, it’s no wonder Scott loves to call it home today.

In this photo, taken in 1968 on Inlet Beach, you can see Scott and his father enjoying the white sand beaches.

 

30A is an expression of Brian’s values; quality over quantity always, whether you’re talking spirits or time. We’re giving back to the community we love, savoring the moment, and creating new memories. Jump in. 

Get to know ‘em

  • Becky Netusil

    Brand Ambassador/Sales Consultant

  • Scott Dunbar

    Brand Ambassador/Sales Consultant

  • Elizabeth Rabon

    ELIZABETH RABON

    Chief Pump Cart Officer/Hand Bottle Numberer

  • BRITTNEY SADLER

    Tasting Room Manager

The Spirit of Friendship

Brian and Dr. Thomas Soltau first met in college, and their lives have been intertwined ever since. 

Sharing a love of the outdoors, exploration, food, and spirits forged a lifelong friendship. Many nights were spent sipping rare whiskeys and scotch, discussing everything there was to know about the liquors of the world.

 

Thomas dreamt of opening his own distillery and Brian supported his entrepreneurial goals, as a true friend should. In 2019, Thomas opened Sugarfield Spirits in Gonzalez, LA. He took Brian under his wing and showed him the ropes of the biz. 

Now a co-owner of 30A Distilling Co, Thomas continues to work alongside Brian, mentoring him in the industry and providing additional production capacity for 30A Distilling Co. They push each other to learn more, work smarter, and create premium products.