The Circuit of Success Podcast with Brett Gilliland Marc Bushala: From Angel’s Envy to Heaven’s Door and Beyond
On this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland welcomes Marc Bushala, a serial entrepreneur, spirits innovator, and branding connoisseur who doesn’t do things halfway. Marc shares how he co-founded Angel’s Envy alongside legendary master distiller Lincoln Henderson, bringing to life a bourbon that broke through the noise with its port barrel finish and iconic wing-embossed bottle. Just four years later, Bacardi acquired the brand—cementing Angel’s Envy as a modern classic in the whiskey world.
After that success, Marc founded Spirits Investment Partners (SIP) to incubate and elevate early-stage spirit brands. One of his boldest moves? Teaming up with Bob Dylan to launch Heaven’s Door Whiskey—a brand where Dylan’s art meets world-class whiskey. From its collectible “Bootleg” series to its core portfolio of bourbons and rye, Heaven’s Door has become a standout in the premium spirits market. Marc also continues to push boundaries through Playboy Spirits, where he’s building Rare Hare, 3Hares tequila, and Play Hard Seltzers into a diverse, globally recognized portfolio.
In this conversation, Marc opens up about his entrepreneurial journey—from real estate ventures in post-communist Europe to reinventing the spirits game in the U.S. and beyond. He shares his philosophy that people don’t want to drink more, they want to drink better—and how he’s built businesses around that belief. Whether it’s bourbon, tequila, or innovation at scale, Marc’s story is a masterclass in betting on yourself, elevating quality, and building brands that last.