In recognition of National Veterans and Military Families Month, the Charles County Economic Development Department proudly recognizes the valor and dedication of former service members who are now contributing to the community as business owners.
Herb Banks, originally from Washington D.C. and co-owner of Copper Compass Craft Distilling Co., served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years before retiring on February 28, 2022. Following a conversation about their lives and futures after the passing of a family member, Banks and his cousin, April Toyer, a board-certified pediatric dentist from Maryland, decided to embark on a new venture by starting a distillery.
“I had learned to distill spirits during one of my Iraq deployments,” says Banks. “One of the Army Special Forces teams showed me how to do it.”
Copper Compass Craft Distilling Co. was officially launched on November 18, 2022. Presently, their product line includes Platinum Rum, Whiskey Barrel Finished Rum, Coconut Rum, and Lemon Drop. The name “Copper Compass” symbolizes both the nature of their distillery and Banks’ military background.
“Copper is the material used to construct and manufacture stills back in the day, and moonshiners still like to use it because it adds flavor to the whiskey. We wanted to pay homage to the beginning of craft distillation because copper is an integral part of the craft distillation community,” describes Banks. “I also knew I wanted a nautical tie since I was in the Navy.”
To learn the ropes of the distillery business, Banks was mentored by another Navy veteran, Hirad Yaldaei, who founded Dragon Distillery in Frederick.
“We only got to where we are because of them,” says Banks.
Banks enlisted in the Navy eight weeks after high school graduation, making the military his entire adult life until his recent retirement. Transitioning back to civilian life has been a significant change for him, but venturing into small business ownership has eased this adjustment.
“I had a very, very successful career, and I was blessed to do a lot of good stuff and serve a lot of good people,” says Banks. “I had no time to reflect or ruminate, however, because I had to redirect my focus to get the business open and operating. March 1, the day after I retired, I was in here banging nails and building a bar, bringing in and installing equipment.”
Banks believes that leadership, teamwork, discipline, composure in high-pressure situations, and problem-solving are some of the shared qualities between successful entrepreneurs and military veterans. His focus on consistency in his business operations is a prime illustration of how his military experience influences his entrepreneurial approach.
“I feel very firm about being in uniform,” he explains. “When we have special events, everyone will wear the same thing and look the same because when people choose to patronize our establishment, they need to know who to come to if they have an issue. I want there to be a defined presence. Also, my bartending staff clearly understands that every drink needs to look the same and taste the same every single time it is created. In the Navy, uniformity is paramount.”
According to Banks, since opening, the community has been overwhelmingly supportive.
“People that I love and admire and respect tell me how proud they are of April and me putting this together,” describes Banks. “We just want to let the public know we’re here to stay. “We’re here to serve the local community, as well as those who want to come and tour Charles County. You don’t have to go all the way to DC to enjoy yourself. You can just come around the corner. We want to be the local establishment where people feel comfortable and safe to go to when going out.”
For Banks, the most rewarding aspect of his entrepreneurial journey is the opportunity to engage with others and contribute positively to the community. To honor military service, Copper Compass Craft Distilling Co. offers discounts to military personnel.
“People come in here every day and thank me for my services or tell me that they are also a fellow service member. I love being able to connect with fellow service members because there’s an instant level of camaraderie, and I will always make time for fellow service men and women who put their lives on the line in defense of this country,” says Banks. “We also participate in fundraising efforts that we feel strongly about — from kids in need to the reintegration of service members.”
For other veterans considering entrepreneurship, Banks has some advice and perspective.
“Begin treating your military service and your time in the service as a business. The purpose of any business is to maximize revenue and be of/provide a service. If you are able to structure that in your mind, as a certain active duty service member, it would be an easier transition once you got out,” he explains. “Be true to yourself and continue that hard work ethic that will get you to be as successful in business as you were in uniform. In time, you can be equally successful on your entrepreneurial journey. Don’t expect special treatment. After the uniform comes off, you’re right back to being a normal civilian, so employ a level of humility.”
Driven by a clear vision for Copper Compass, Banks is determined to succeed.
“I want our product to be on every shelf,” he states. “This isn’t just a hobby. This isn’t just a small business where we’ll just see how things go. We don’t want to simply survive. We want to grow, and we are actively working towards that. Our vision might be unrealistic to those who don’t share it, but I see us sitting right there next to the biggest name in distillation. We’re going to work diligently towards that or die trying.”
Banks is not just building a business but creating a legacy for his three children.
“It’s humbling,” describes Banks. “Their lives are totally different than mine, and I was able to create it. I want to pass this business down to them when the good Lord calls me home. I want my children to have something they can walk into and continue to build upon and succeed. I want them to be proud of upholding whatever legacy that I think I’m creating.”
Copper Compass is located at 4317 Charles Crossing Drive in White Plains, with business hours spanning Wednesday to Sunday, including tours and tastings on weekends.
