In the heart of Spartanburg, South Carolina, a journey began that would transform the life of a young man, the community in which he would embrace the spirits industry. Ronak Patel, the importer of Carreta De Oro Tequila, embodies the community-crafted artisanal tequila made from the highest quality 100 percent blue Weber agave grown in the heart of Jalisco, Mexico. Produced and developed by three generations of Agave farmers, Destiladora Juanacatlán has created the best tequila Mexico has ever exported.

The tequila is additive-free and contains no pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals. The next step is to add "organic" to the label. Ronak also appreciates nature and the ecosystem that helps develop his tequilas. For example, Mexican long-nosed bats were on the endangered species list in Mexico before, and they actually helped pollinate the agave, so the distillery doesn't use any chemicals to harm the bats or the ecosystem. The distillery was announced as being the only distillery in Mexico to be non-contaminant to the environment. Carreta De Oro Tequila is produced in the Midlands as the official 100 percent non-blended Midland tequila in the market.

Carreta De Oro Tequila is a sipping tequila that adds a twist to classic cocktails such as Mojitos and Screwdrivers. Mixologists and connoisseurs are substituting it for other spirits. Tequila with Weber Blue Agave offers a natural flavor without the sugars that are also low in carbs.

"I never thought I would ever get into the spirits industry. It's not like I was looking to get into the tequila business. It happened to land on my lap. The product is amazing, and Carreta De Oro Tequila is telling people what tequila should taste like, and it's a sipping tequila, which is the best part about it," says Ronak.

His story begins on a small farm in India to becoming a serial entrepreneur and community leader in the United States. Ronak's story merges ambition, resilience, and the power of giving back into a compelling tale. "I was part of a close-knit family that valued hard work and community service. My father, Dinesh Patel, was a farmer with a boundless heart, always ready to help others. In 1987, seeking better opportunities, we moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina. This transition was challenging, but it taught me the importance of adaptability and perseverance," explains Ronak.

As a teenager, Ronak was directed towards a traditional path of success—education. He would enroll at the University of South Carolina to pursue pharmacy but soon realized that the conventional college path was not for him. This decision to drop out after 18 months was difficult, yet it set the stage for pursuing an entrepreneurial life.

At 23, under the guidance of his father-in-law, Ronak acquired a gas station in downtown Hardeeville, South Carolina. What began as a single venture expanded rapidly as he discovered his passion for business and his ability to inspire and lead others. Over the years, Ronak has acquired multiple businesses, including commercial real estate, liquor stores, and apartment complexes, each step teaching him more about the complexities and rewards of entrepreneurship.

As his business ventures flourished, so did his ambitions. Ronak ventured into technology and partnerships, always looking for innovative ways to serve and connect with the community. His role in importing a unique Mezcal brand and diversifying into insurance showcased his belief in the power of diverse opportunities. As for his path forward, "My journey has been about breaking barriers and exceeding expectations set by myself and others. As I look to the future, I focus on innovation, community, and teaching the next generation that they can achieve anything."

Krunal Patel, the importer, comes from a long line of successful business owners. He moved from New Jersey to the Savannah, Georgia, area in 2005 because his father had an opportunity to buy a gas station there. Krunal worked with his father until he bought his first business in the United States in his home state of South Carolina. He sold that gas station and bought another one in Ridgeland, South Carolina, moving his family to Bluffton, South Carolina. He then purchased another gas station in Savannah, bringing his total count to two.

He worked in the family business alongside his father until 2016, when he purchased his first retail business in South Carolina. In 2023, Krunal purchased his second retail business in Savannah, Georgia. Krunal launched Carreta de Oro Tequila as the importer in South Carolina, the exclusive Carreta de Oro Importer for South Carolina, while operating two gas stations. Krunal is actively involved in multiple charitable activities both inside and outside the United States. He supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Patel Foundation of the Lowcountry, various religious organizations, and the first responders in his community. Krunal is a devoted husband and a father of two daughters.