Rob Samuels, son of Bill Samuels, Sr., is the first generation in his family to have lived outside Kentucky other than attending a University since his namesake settled here in 1780 after the Whisky Rebellion.

Upon graduating from the University of South Carolina, Rob went to work for Allied Domecq for nearly 10 years living in Texas, Ohio and Florida.

“I never wanted to push myself on my father and the business,” he says. “My goal was to work hard and learn the ropes and earn my stripes and one day be invited home into the family run business.” 

That invitation came in 2006 when Bill Sr. asked Rob to become Global Marketing Director for Maker’s Mark. This meant that for the first time in the brand’s life, there would be enough supply to share with key markets outside the U.S.

With the acceptance of that position, Rob was able to come home with his wife and two children and take up residence in Louisville once again.

Rob says, “The Louisville of today has retained all of the strengths of the community that I remember from my childhood; hospitality, warmth of the people and managed to augment the community with visionary leadership as showcased with the collection of parks, the various arts, downtown development and education. Just last week we hosted a group of high-profile journalists from leading publications in Europe and the USA. The journalists were in town to explore the icons of Kentucky. During the visit we shared excellent restaurants, bourbon, thoroughbred racehorses and the Valhalla golf course; this community over delivered and exceeded all expectations.”