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BRISTOL – Rugged American Spirits, a leading producer of premium spirits and builder of a rugged lifestyle brand, announced on Feb. 21 that Clark Jordan has joined the company as Chief Legal Officer and a stakeholder. Jordan brings with him more than 25 years of experience in the legal and corporate sectors and a strong business background.

“We are thrilled to welcome Clark to our business rodeo,” said Scott Andrew, CEO and founder of Retail Service Systems and Rugged American Spirits. “Clark is a seasoned, entrepreneurial-minded legal professional with deep experience in a dynamic business environment. He has a unique ability to problem-solve from scientific, operational, advocacy, regulatory, legal, and business strategy perspectives. I know he will dive in and help us drive sustainable growth.”

As Chief Legal Officer, Jordan will oversee all legal and regulatory matters, and provide strategic guidance for three umbrella organizations and their subsidiary and affiliated entities:
(1) Rugged American Spirits/Tennessee Hills (Tennessee Hills Distillery, Tennessee Hills Brewstillery, Tennessee Hills Creamstillery, Tennessee Hills Whiskey Kitchen), (2) Retail Service Systems, the parent company of BoxDrop Mattress & Sofa and the Rugged Media Network and (3) The Appalachian Highlands OZ Group, a real estate holding and development company that focuses on federal opportunity zone properties and businesses. Jordan will be a member of the company’s leadership team and help shape its overall strategy and vision.

“Clark will be a tremendous addition to the enterprises that Scott and Daphne Andrew and their teams have built over the last 25 years,” said ETSU Research Corporation CEO, David Golden. “Clark is joining a business group that has experienced phenomenal growth as evidenced by Inc. 5000 membership the last five years and running. Less than 1% of companies in the Inc.
Five thousand have such a track record. Clark is a brilliant strategist and has a “rugged” mindset. The Research Corporation is very much looking forward to our continued partnership with Scott and the incredible team he has built. We know effective partnerships are the key to innovation and the potential in our Region and beyond is tremendous.”

“I have a passion for innovation-driven, nimble growth companies, and I am very excited to work with Scott and Daphne and their team of rugged entrepreneurs and regional partners on their existing businesses and exciting development opportunities in the Appalachian Highlands and beyond,” Jordan said.

Jordan is a native of the Appalachian Highlands. He received a bachelor’s degree in Physics and Applied Mathematics from Emory & Henry College. He went on to graduate from the United States Navy Nuclear Power School and serve as a nuclear submarine officer. Upon completion of his Navy commitment, Clark graduated from Notre Dame Law School. His legal career includes partnership in a large law firm and significant in-house legal management and governance responsibilities in two large, multi-national corporations.