No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our Neighbor of the Week is Alexandra (Alex) Ruesch, a wine and spirits distributor often seen at local festivals. A Duck Key native and Marathon High graduate, Alex earned a dual degree in marketing and business from Stetson University. After a decade in sports and entertainment sales in New York and New Orleans, she returned home during the pandemic, joined Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and met her husband within the industry. This summer, she’s hitting the road in her new camper van with her puppy, Piper, who, fittingly, is named after the champagne.
ALEX RUESCH
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? My family moved from Long Island, New York in the late ’90s because Mom and Dad were finally over winter. We were fortunate to have our grandparents, aunt and uncle follow us down. We purchased a local sun care distributorship called Panama Jack and sold hats, sunscreen and sunglasses to businesses throughout the Florida Keys.
My significant other would say I am … “The most caring, hard-working and fun-loving person he knows.” (One of the many reasons I married him!)
What is one thing you love about your job and one thing you don’t like so much? I am grateful for the flexibility of my daily schedule in my role at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. However, because holidays are peak times for our industry, it can sometimes limit the time I spend with loved ones or get to travel.
Any particular weird food combos or drinks that you love? Something that gets my mouth watering are Italian seasoned and pickled mushrooms. I could eat an entire jar. I had them as a garnish in a Bloody Mary once and then discovered they live in the same aisle as pickles. More traditionally, I am a fan of the classics: pizza, pasta and red wine.
If you had to give a TED Talk on a totally random topic, what would it be? How to talk to the Holy Ghost.
Any particular liquors you like giving away more than others? Tequila. It always seems to spark a great story from people and always leaves me with a good laugh.
AC blasting or windows open? AC in the morning and windows down on the drive home.
If you were a bottle of liquor, what flavor would you be and why? After several years in the wine and liquor industry, this is the first time I’ve been asked this. I would have to say pistachio liqueur because it can be sweet, salty and a little nutty.
What are your top three bucket-list vacations? I’ve visited over 23 countries, but the next three on my bucket list are New Zealand for the wineries, Peru to climb Machu Picchu, and Curaçao for the incredible scenery.
If you could do one thing every day for the rest of your life what would you do? I actually hope I jinx myself with this statement. I’ve always been a night owl, but I’d love to have the motivation to see the sunrise each morning. I heard this gets “easier as you get older” but it is still a struggle for me.
What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? I’ve been fascinated by tattoos since I got my first one at 15, and I haven’t stopped since!
Know someone that would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
