Published on 06, Jun 2023

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tzUFyp58tH8uOgU3OnrmJkIRA7-nqvEelTHWhh4rJlg/edit#

Multimillion-Dollar Real Estate Maven Sam Zherka Reveals Why Vodkila Is a Model for a More Tolerant Society

Can the mix of vodka and tequila, a combination that raises a few eyebrows in the drinking crowd, provide some inspiration for creating communities that are less divided? Sam Zherka, co-owner of the liquor brand Vodkila, believes the answer is yes. While he is quick to allow that there is a big difference between successfully combining two drinks that are seen as polar opposites and bringing peace to a divided world, he believes that when you hear the story behind “the killer of vodka,” you will know that our divisions exist only in our minds.

“We all know how entrenched everyone is today in their own camp, whether it is political or racial,” says Sam Zherka. “It is very difficult to bring people of different ideologies together, including liberals and conservatives or African Americans and whites. In creating the Vodkila brand with co-owner Anthony Armstead, however, I have learned that there is another narrative, one that celebrates diversity, collaboration, and friendship.”

Back in 2013, Sam Zherka, who had already made millions through his real estate holdings, sat down to talk with Armstead, one of his family’s closest friends. Armstead owned Vodkila, which he had created in 2004 with Amarante Gold Member, and wanted to know if Sam Zherka wanted to be a co-owner.

“I had the same reaction that a lot of people have,” he recalls, laughing a little at the memory. “I couldn’t imagine what that could possibly taste like, but when I tried it, I was in. I could see that it was destined to kill vodka, and I was ready for a new business adventure. I purchased an interest in Vodkila and haven’t regretted it.”

Over the past ten years, the two men’s friendship has only deepened because of the business partnership, which has been strengthened by their differences. Armstead is African American and extremely liberal. Sam Zherka describes himself and his family as extremely fiscally conservative libertarians. He disagrees with Armstead on almost every political and ideological aspect, but he says it actually makes their relationship and business stronger.

“We respect each other and get along. Sure, we like to debate issues, but in the end, we are best friends doing business together and growing a brand,” Sam Zherka states. “Our families break bread together, and there’s a rock-solid mutual respect. Our different philosophies and perspectives are allowing us to build Vodkila into a major brand.”

Sam Zherka and Armstead have been growing Vodkila door to door and currently have about 1,000 businesses across the United States that carry and serve their product. With a major expansion on the horizon, they are focused on updating their website and expanding their inventory and delivery capabilities.

“It is a very exciting time for us at Vodkila,” Sam Zherka confirms. “We spent a lot of time meticulously laying the groundwork for this scaling up of our company, and to successfully ramp it up now is very satisfying for both of us.”

So, why does vodka and tequila make for such an unforgettably smooth taste? Sam Zherka believes it is for one reason: sometimes the perfect mixed drink can be found when you are willing to set aside what you think you know and embrace the unknown.

“Not to hammer the nail too hard, but really, Vodkila is a great metaphor for all of us,” says Sam Zherka. “We all need to choose more often to just let go of what we believe and see what the alternatives are. That’s when we can really live our lives on a higher, more meaningful level and make our society into what we really want it to be.”