Chris Montana, 37

CEO/Head Distiller, Du Nord Craft Spirits, Minneapolis

Raising funds, raising spirits

Though Montana helms the first Black-owned distillery in the U.S. and served as president of the American Craft Spirits Association, peers say his enterprising spirit and empathy are why he’s held in such high esteem. Case in point: After Du Nord’s warehouse was burned by rioters in May, he turned a crowd-sourcing initiative earmarked to help rebuild the distillery into a nonprofit recovery fund to help other Black- and brown-owned small businesses in need. Meanwhile, salvageable space in the damaged warehouse became a volunteer-run donation center for local families. The Minneapolis native and former attorney started Du Nord, which utilizes locally sourced ingredients, with his wife, Shanelle, in 2013.

Instagram: @dunordcs