IAOTP names Rico Austin Top Entrepreneur in Luxury Spirits

By AI, Created 6:40 PM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Rico Austin, co-founder and managing partner of BAJARRIBA Tequila, was selected by the International Association of Top Professionals for its 2026 Top Entrepreneur of the Year in Luxury Spirits honor. He will be recognized at IAOTP’s annual gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York in December.

Why it matters: - The honor puts BAJARRIBA Tequila’s co-founder in front of a global professional network that spotlights leadership and business performance. - The award also gives Austin added visibility as he looks to expand the tequila business.

What happened: - The International Association of Top Professionals selected Rico Austin as Top Entrepreneur of the Year in Luxury Spirits for 2026. - IAOTP will honor Austin at its annual awards gala in December at the Plaza Hotel in New York. - Austin is co-founder and managing partner of BAJARRIBA Tequila and a best-selling author.

The details: - IAOTP says its awards process is selective and based on professional excellence, academic accomplishments, leadership, longevity in the field, affiliations and community contributions. - All award recipients are invited to the gala. - The gala information is available here. - Austin has nearly two decades of experience in the tequila and spirits industry. - Austin formed Tres Cabo Amigos, LLC with co-founders Michael Hill and Jay Nance to guide BAJARRIBA Tequila’s direction. - BAJARRIBA Tequila is made from 100% Blue Weber Agave from Jalisco, Mexico. - Juan Eduardo Nunez, a third-generation tequilero from El Viejito, works on the tequila in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco. - El Viejito was founded in 1937. - The distillery says it has more than 90 years of experience. - Austin’s background also includes work as a blogger, film actor, former collegiate football player and tequila connoisseur. - His novel “MY BAD TEQUILA” won seven national awards in 2011, six national awards in 2012 and one international award in 2012. - His story “DOG” won first prize in short story at the Arizona Authors Association’s 2021 Literary Contest. - Tres Cabo Amigos / Bajarriba Tequila supports organizations in Baja Mexico that help orphaned and abandoned children with education, housing and food. - The company also says it uses recycled glass in manufacturing to help preserve the environment. - Austin’s education includes an associate of science in marketing from Boise State University, a Bachelor of Arts in global marketing from the University of Staffordshire, a BBA in international business from Grand Canyon University and a master’s degree in international business from Thunderbird School of Global Management. - In 2016, Austin studied tequila under Julio Bermejo and earned what the release describes as a “PhD in Tequila.” - IAOTP President Stephanie Cirami said Austin was an easy choice for the honor and called him inspirational, influential and a thought leader.

Between the lines: - The award blends business recognition with brand storytelling, tying Austin’s public profile to BAJARRIBA Tequila’s identity. - The release leans heavily on credentials, awards and cultural heritage to frame Austin as both a founder and a category expert. - The philanthropy and recycled-glass claims help position BAJARRIBA as a purpose-driven spirits brand, not just a luxury label.

What’s next: - Austin will be recognized at IAOTP’s December gala in New York. - Austin said he wants to expand the business. - More information is available at BAJARRIBA Tequila.

The bottom line: - IAOTP is adding another credential to Austin’s résumé, and BAJARRIBA Tequila is using the moment to reinforce its luxury, heritage and social-impact positioning.