Brady Konya sits at the communal wood table at his micro-distillery, just feet away from vats of spirits and an army of OYO Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka on its way towards distribution. A pallet of red winter wheat rolls by as the Middle West Spirits partner nurses a cold with a hot drink, the wall-sized production planning calendar over his shoulder a testament to the micro-distillery’s success. Earlier in the day, the company had been name-checked in the USA Network’s Top 10 of 2011 food list. “Isn’t that crazy?” marveled Konya. “It was totally unexpected and really wonderful, not just because it’s great visibility, but because of its character reference of our mission, to have a closer connection with the consumer.”

What was your idea of Columbus before moving here from Seattle?

The same as that of the East or West Coast – that it was a cowtown. That it was the “great average.”

What was your first year here like?

In the beginning, everyone we knew was just like us – transplants. We had a shared community, but it did not connect us to the city, so we made an effort to expand our social and business circles. That first year, there was some unhappiness, but after that we really fell in love with Columbus.

Now that you’re a one of Columbus’ biggest evangelists, what are some things you love about the city?

Columbus is more young, affluent, highly educated and ethnically diverse – it’s not the “great average,” it’s nothing like it was known for … there’s an appetite in Columbus for new ideas, innovation and the environment is supportive in terms of incubation. There is a very mobile population that brings in inspiration from other locations, like New York, Paris or London. It’s a great place for young people to start a business. There is a really fascinating creative culture – the spirit of independence in the arts, business, music … Columbus is a very accessible city in that if you’re inspired by someone that’s one degree of separation from engaging with them.

What do you value you most about your involvement with the Wonderland project?

I am very proud of Wonderland. It’s so encouraging every day to be part of something bigger. We just found out we received our federal non-profit status. This is one of those moments … it’s one of my proudest moments here in Columbus. This is a major milestone. We are also in the final stages of selecting the new location. We went from 65 buildings to two. We want to make sure that whatever property we choose, we own. We want to make sure the artists are never pushed out, like sometimes happens with revitalization. I never lost faith – we’ve become smarter in this complex, challenging and very public process. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by a group of people that are so committed to a vision of what’s possible … our volunteers are inspiring, they do so much for nothing more than a thank you and an occasional hug.

What were you like as a child?

As a kid, I was thoughtful, pensive and creatively driven. I’m a right-brained thinker living in a left-brain world (laughs). I have a hard candy shell with a soft-sugar middle. As most creative people, I am emotionally driven yet analytical. It goes back to being a Libra. I was one of those people who always played sports, but was never naturally athletically gifted. I loved the challenge and camaraderie more that the sport itself. There was satisfaction in being part of something bigger.

Who was your biggest influence?

One of the greatest influences as a young person was a teacher in high school, Phil Isernio. He was a business teacher of mine that was a very smart guy and was utterly and completely dedicated to being a teacher. He took a special interest in me as a senior and spent time with me to help me find the things I was passionate about – he was totally selfless. He showed up and made sh*t happen every single day to make our dreams come true and he was so incredibly humble about it. He showed me that living and loving your career has little to do with money and title recognition; it’s about experience and connection with other people. Phil helped me find that spark inside to funnel my creativity into something that was a little more focused on business application.

Who is one person, living or dead, you would like to interview?

Ellen DeGeneres. Who doesn’t love a woman who matches her scarves to her Chucks? I grew up listening to Ellen’s clever quips … and have always been incredibly impressed by her ability to connect with people from every walk of life. She’s unapologetic for being true to herself, driven to better the human experience, and uses humor to both heal and create change. Plus, I’m overdue for a good ab workout … my stomach has never hurt more than when I listen to her old stand-up routines.

What is your favorite song?

(no hesitation whatsoever) “The Search is Over” by Survivor. I remember it was one of the first cassette tapes I ever had, in my Fisher Price cassette recorder. I know all the words to it and still belt it out in the car. (Konya gets out his iPhone and, with obvious excitement, runs over to sound system – soon the sounds of Survivor are filling Middle West Spirits. He returns to his seat with a huge smile.) My first karaoke was in my 30s at Otani and it was horrifying. I sang “The Search is Over” to my partner.

What was your first experience with alcohol?

Those gallon glass jugs of white wine that would be served at dinner parties my parents would host … the kind of wine that sits in the fridge for a month with no change in flavor. I would sneak a little bit of white wine in my parents’ special etched glasses. I always knew that alcohol was special. I was never really tempted as an adolescent. The irony is that I didn’t grow up drinking a ton. With alcohol, it’s the journey of the sensory that I enjoy the most. There is nothing better than finishing up your day with beautifully balanced cocktails that have a beginning, middle and end. People rush to make cocktails and are focusing on the end. I just like standing in the kitchen with friends making homemade grenadine – it’s the process of making things, not just the drinking. I get crazy when people talk about foodies being elitist – it’s the journey, it’s about sharing.

What is your signature dish?

My go-to dish? I would have to say right now, it’s a Rossi pepperoni pizza. I love to cook, but don’t have the time. It’s a reflection of the realities of owning a small business – it is 24 hours a day, constantly out in the market looking for inspiration. At the beginning, there was no separation between the brand and us. We (Konya and business partner Ryan Lang) are the living and breathing expression of our bottle.

What are the qualities you most admire in others?

I think the number one thing I admire most in people is a sincerity and truth to self, even with folks I don’t get along with. Sense of self is so important, connecting with your own identity. A distinctive sense of self is awesome. The people I admire most in Columbus have a very instinctive idea of what they are good at and that is nourishing for me. I absorb things from people who are doing what they love and love what they do. I really love cleverness as well. I’m always drawn to people who are able to articulate thoughts quickly, cleverly and creatively. I love sarcasm, I love all that – when it comes from someone open and not mean.

What is your advice for young entrepreneurs?

If you’re going to commit yourself and your life savings to showing up every day, you have to believe that you can get sh*t done. You’ve got to love it and believe in it in a way that nobody else does. It’s important to be true to who you are and your vision. It’s important to us that Middle West is half an LGBT-owned company. To be an agent of change, you have to be visible, honest and open. It’s not always good for business … in general, Columbus is very progressive – but it’s still Ohio. Our products are really opinionated and not for everyone’s palate, but we took a risk to stay true to our vision and our expression of creativity. It’s more important to be true to who you are and be authentic to yourself.

What is one of your favorite memories of Columbus so far?

I remember during a low point that first year, a good friend of ours that grew up here took it upon himself to show us his Top 10 favorite things about Columbus. He borrowed a Mustang convertible from his dad and drove us all around the city for a full day. He showed us all the things he had grown up loving. For the first time, I felt the city had reached back to me. Somebody taking that kind of time, and someone that was so in love with where they grew up and sharing that … we started making those kinds of friendships and gaining a depth of connection. What had felt so transient the first year now felt like base camp. When people say there’s nothing to do in Columbus, I want to ask them, “Where do you live?” Every day I learn something new; I meet people that inspire me. I’ve never had a boring day. If you’re willing to look, you’ll see.