A personal story from Jason Quin ETCH Sparkling co-founder
We created ETCH as a delicious option for those looking for an alternative to alcohol. Born from our own personal journey, not because we saw the rise in trend of alcohol- free drinks, but from a dream to “Create Something We Wish Existed” because we had a sneaky feeling that others might enjoy ETCH and the social inclusion our brand stands for too…
Not so long ago, the idea that life that didn’t revolve around a Friday ‘knock off’ glass of wine would have been unheard of, yet here I am, almost 6 years sober!
How did I get here?
I had spent twenty-three years dedicating a career to making, selling and promoting wine. Building wine brands and businesses, achieving sales targets, developing people; profits, revenues and market shares.
I was at the height of my wine career, while working in an industry I genuinely loved, alongside people I admired. Wine was my life, my career, my friendship circle, my status, my passion, my identity and for the majority of my adult life, my relationship with alcohol looked what you would consider “normal”. It wasn’t until my forties when life’s stresses became more apparent, that my use of alcohol turned from enjoying a glass of wine with a meal to “needing” a glass to unwind. I’m not sure when, but it was as if an imaginary line was crossed and over a relatively short period of time my consumption gradually snuck up on me and my ability to moderate was challenged.
A bit of background
I grew up in metro Melbourne in a loving supportive environment, went to a good school, university, then began a career that I loved. A career that started with a broom and a forklift licence, and finished with a fancy business card, good remuneration, global travel, area of responsibility crossing continents, special VIP cards in my wallet that allowed me to skip queues (oh, the ego!), and right in the area of my interest – The Wine Industry.
From the outside life looked wonderful, I had a loving wife, two beautiful, healthy children, a golden retriever, a comfortable roof over my head and ‘toys’ in the garage but on the inside I was breaking down. I had no idea how to get out of the hole I was in, so I consumed more wine. It helped me to quieten the noise, feel better and carry on.
I’ve always enjoyed being physically active. I love to run. Road running, trail running, running in groups and on my own for meditation. Even while I was drinking, I still managed to get myself out of bed and run as part of a running group. While I knew my drinking was starting to be a problem, in my mind I didn’t “look” like the images you see of someone with a drinking problem. I was still holding down a job, my family was still together.
At home, I maintained my role as a good dad, ensuring my family's financial well-being, engaging in activities with my kids, taking the family on overseas holidays. There was a little voice in my that head told me that my drinking wasn’t sustainable, and something had to change, but I just wasn’t ready…yet.
Cracks were appearing in my marriage due to my emotional distance. When my wife sought connection, I withdrew into myself and turned to distractions. I am someone who struggles to communicate or express emotions, adopting a business-like demeanour in all aspects of my life— pushing forward, and swiftly addressing issues with a 'what's next?' attitude. While effective in business, this approach proved detrimental in my marriage and in a relationship I've neglected for too long: the one with myself.
A Sliding Doors Moment
It was in July 2018 and I was sick of the fight between my own ears, I just wanted the “noise” to stop.
After a self-imposed event ….. I woke up in hospital having been on life support and with the help of my wife and family, I entered straight into an alcohol rehabilitation hospital.
In the early days when I made the decision to work hard on recovering, I knew from trying on my own, succeeding, then relapsing (repeatedly), that I absolutely could not do this alone. I needed professional help and help from peers. So I sucked up that ego I spoke of earlier and simply listened and did what I was told, not what I wanted to do. This was not easy. Professional help dealt with aspects such as depression and anxiety, and in person and online peer support guided me in my recovery.
People often ask me if there was a rock bottom moment and the truth is, I’m not sure. There was a lot of skidding along the bottom…attempts and sobriety, slip ups, defeat, try again. At the time these slips were shattering for myself and for those who love me, but I now know that this was an important part of my journey and realisation that, for me moderation is not possible.
ETCH = Every Time Choose Health.
Early on, I made a conscious choice to share my vulnerabilities and struggles with friends and family, believing it held me accountable. During my time at the rehab hospital, my running group rallied around me, meeting three times a week to run together. The hospital staff had never seen anything like it. Contrary to my perception of loneliness, so many people stepped up. Each time I spoke about my battles, it sparked conversations revealing others' struggles - showing me the impact of vulnerability. While being open is difficult, the reward of aiding others is immeasurable.
I'm incredibly thankful for my wife, Andy, whose unwavering support throughout this journey meant the world. I recognise it wasn't easy for her. Together, we've grown immensely stronger and found fulfilment in giving back and assisting others by openly sharing our experiences.
My life looks now unrecognisable to that time. Staying in the wine industry wasn’t an option for me. I remember the moment when Andy came to me and suggested we start our own business making non-alcoholic drinks. It was like someone flicked a switch and all of the lights were turned back on. That passion and sense of purpose returned. I was excited to put into use all of the knowledge and skills I had learnt in my previous working life.
My mental and physical health are so much better. Physically at 50 I feel that I have never been in better shape. I chose to celebrate my 50th birthday by racing in a 50km Ultra marathon! I now have a clarity of mind and perspective that had been missing. Gratefully, over time the removal of alcohol also removed my depression, anxiety and insomnia. I am now able to be fully present with my family and friends.
A lot has changed over these past few years - for myself personally and for the drinking culture in Australia and around the world. The positive leaps and bounds being made in the alcohol-free drinks space is one that I am so proud to be a part of.
Jason Quin
Co-Founder, ETCH Sparkling.
The ETCH family