Benny R Rains
CFO & Co-Partner
Benny R Rains journey began on August 14, 1944, in Shreveport, Louisiana. After graduating from Woodlawn High School in 1962, Benny pursued higher education at Louisiana Tech, later transferring to the University of Tennessee, where he earned a B.S. in Business in 1967.
During the Vietnam War, Benny joined the United States Marine Corps, attending Officer Candidate School (OCS) and rising to the rank of Captain.
In 1982, Benny achieved an Executive Master’s of Business from the University of Houston, further fueling his ambition. Over the next 45 years, his career in the steel industry thrived. Starting as a plant production manager, he transitioned into regional sales before boldly venturing out on his own with just $5,000 and an American Express card. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of 16 LLCs, two of which grew to employ over 200 people.
In 2024, he relocated to Panama, where he partnered with entrepreneur Claudia Schumann. Their shared love for fine spirits led him to join HERMITAGE SPIRIT as partner and CFO, overseeing the company’s financial health.
Looking forward, Benny sees immense potential in the Mezcal and Tequila markets and is excited about HERMITAGE SPIRIT’s latest creation, the Geisha coffee liqueur.