I love that Scott Jampol and I have remained in touch all these years. We had crossed paths when he was at OpenTable, and I was still at Yelp. These days, he’s found his true calling as the founder of the Sausalito Liquor Company.
What do you do? I launched the SLC with the goal of returning the art of distilling back to the area. We offer unapologetically drinkable spirits that reflect the beauty, intrigue and quirkiness of Marin, including Marin Coastal Gin and Unsinkable Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys.
Where do you live? Sausalito—just up the hill from Sushi Ran.
How long have you lived in Marin? 14 years.
Where can we find you when you’re not at work?
I’m pretty easy to track down. On Mondays, I bartend at the Sausalito Cruising Club (don’t consider that work). On all days ending in “y,” I’m driving my teenagers around Marin. Otherwise, I’m finding time to hike, run and share cocktails with my wife, Patricia, and friends and our Bernese Mountain dog, Tippy.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin is, where would you take them?
Hike Morning Sun Trail to SCA Trail to the peak, with 360-degree views of Marin and the bay. Immediately follow that with some “Millionaire’s” bacon and eggs at Fred’s Place in Sausalito. Lunch at Fish (or Fishhook) and then bocce in Dunphy Park.
What’s one thing Marin is missing?
An ice rink. It’s good for everyone, no matter the age.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites? Use your damn turn signal. And the left lane is for passing, not puttering.
If you could invite anyone to a special dinner, who would they be?
Irwin M. Fletcher and Bob Marley; put it on the Underhills’ bill.
What is some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
Don’t sweat the petty things. Life’s too short to get hung up on things that don’t bring you happiness.
What is something that 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy? Bars serving cocktails that take 10 minutes each to make. With just a few simple ingredients and, ahem, great quality spirits, we can win back that time.
Big question. What is one thing you’d do to change the world?
Get rid of the “If you lose, I win” mentality that has seeped into our world today.
Keep up with Jampol at @sausalitoliquor on Instagram.
Nish Nadaraja was on the founding team at Yelp, serves on the San Anselmo Arts Commission and attempts to play pickleball at Fairfax’s Cañon Club.
