Be There For You

Throughout my life I have been accused of many things. Some people accused me of stamping my name on too many coins. Others accused me of advertising too aggressively. A few accused me of things far more serious than that. The newspapers seemed unable to go a month without mentioning my name.

Yet despite all the controversy, arguments, lawsuits, accusations, and adventures, I always believed in one simple principle: "A good tool should be there when you need it."

That is why I admire a copper still. Most people associate stills with moonshine and spirits. While they certainly have a long history in that regard, a still is capable of far more than most people realize. A still can produce distilled water, create essential oils, produce perfumes, botanical extracts, flavorings, soaps, and many other useful products. Throughout history, distillation has been used in medicine, agriculture, manufacturing, chemistry, and everyday life.

During my years operating Fort Wilkins in Pittsfield, I learned that self-reliance is one of the most valuable assets a person can possess. The world changes, but human nature does not. People still want clean water, useful products, and the ability to create things for themselves. A copper still provides exactly that opportunity.

The value lies not in any single use but in having options. What mattered most to me was creating something useful—something that earned its place and would still be valued long after the newspapers stopped printing. When the time comes to put a good copper still to work, it will be there for you.