Darrin Eakins, founder of DuBlasé Whiskey, named 2026 Small Business Leader of the Year

Business

The JAX Chamber named Darrin Eakins, founder and owner of Jacksonville-based DuBlasé Whiskey, the 2026 Overall Small Business Leader of the Year during an awards ceremony Jan. 29 at the University of North Florida.

Eakins, a graduate of Florida A&M University, was working as an engineer when he decided to follow a passion for producing premium whiskey. After spending two years working with a master distiller, he founded DuBlasé in 2020.

Today, the company’s locally distilled craft whiskey is distributed in California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., and can be purchased online for home delivery in 38 states. It is available locally in liquor stores, bars and restaurants.

During his acceptance speech, Eakins spoke of the dedication it takes to engage in a competitive industry. Across the nation, there are 2,282 makers distilling craft liquor, according to thespiritspost.com.

“Business isn’t about flashy moments. It’s about consistency, showing up when things are uncertain and choosing standards,” Eakins said.

Eakins established the DuBlasé Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that distributes a portion of sales proceeds to benefit education.

“We are investing in the next generation of thinkers and leaders,” he said.

The chamber selected Eakins from a group of 11 finalists chosen by the chamber councils, the Beaches Division, NextUp JAX and Venture Services.

Eakins is part of NextUp JAX.

The 2026 Small Business Leaders of the Year, from left, are Dr. Tim Conway, Boshawn Mack, Kati Lambert, April Watson, Heather Waisanen, Darrin Eakins, Justin Kane, Tom Snogles, Dawn Stewart, Chris Kennelly and Jason Pratt.

In addition to Eakins, the finalists were:

Dr. Tim Conway, The Morris Center – Jacksonville (Arlington Council)
Justin Kane, DoubleChecked Cybersecurity (IT Council)
Chris Kennelly, Kennetic Productions Inc. (Venture Services)
Kati Lambert, Well Minded Hypnosis (Health Council)
Boshawn Mack, Global Reliable Logistics, Inc. (Transportation & Logistics)
Jason Pratt, Prattify (Downtown Council)
Tom Snogles, Twinkle Nights (Three Rivers Council)
Dawn Stewart, Pestle and Potions (Professional Women’s Council)
April Watson, April Adventures Travel (Beaches Division)
Heather Waisanen, Coastal Maverick (South Council)

The Small Business Leader of the Year award is in its 13th year.

Before the awards, Daniel Davis, president and CEO of the JAX Chamber, spoke with his nephew, Drew Messer, CEO and founder of Urban SDK. The Jacksonville technology company creates AI software for the transportation industry and government.

Messer said Jacksonville needs to commit to exploring AI technology or risk being left behind.

“If we can create better AI, become a tech hub center, this can become a very special place,” he said. “You are seeing that in Miami. Miami is just exploding. It is starting to feel like the next Silicon Valley.”