GROWTH STORY
From delivering whiskey in her Honda to building a distribution empire: How a mechanical engineer found her calling in spirits
Nuvo Spirits at a glance:
Needed warehouse space for alcohol distribution license; traditional spaces refused alcohol storage
Professional warehouse with loading docks, security systems, and ability to scale up
State licensing approved; growing from car deliveries to truck distribution; expanding throughout Chicagoland
Alessia Serafino had a problem that would make any compliance officer break out in a cold sweat: she needed a warehouse to get her liquor distribution license, but every office space she called hung up the moment she mentioned “alcohol storage.” Even though she wasn’t selling anything—just warehousing inventory—landlords kept saying “I don’t know what our lawyers would say” and “maybe not.”
Meanwhile, she was juggling mechanical engineering, MBA classes, and building a spirits distribution business to carry on her grandfather’s legacy. At WareSpace, she didn’t just find storage—she discovered a space that could handle 80-case pallets today and truck deliveries tomorrow.
Before WareSpace The Alcohol Allergy
The Alcohol Allergy
Alessia’s path to spirits distribution was deeply personal. Growing up watching her grandfather import whiskey, she’d always been fascinated by the history, culture, and science behind distilling. As a mechanical engineer pursuing her MBA, she decided to start a distributorship to learn the business from the ground up while bringing her grandfather’s products to Illinois.
But getting started required navigating a regulatory maze. Illinois law required a licensed warehouse before she could import any inventory. Traditional office spaces kept refusing her—not because alcohol storage was illegal, but because landlords didn’t want to deal with the uncertainty and perceived liability.
She needed a space that could handle her 80-case pallets (extremely heavy), had loading dock access for semi-trucks, and wasn’t afraid of alcohol inventory. Most importantly, she needed it immediately to get her state licensing approved.
“Most places are really concerned with the fact that it was alcohol and didn’t want to deal with it… They were concerned with, well, ‘I don’t know what our lawyers would say. I don’t know if we have any rules. I don’t know how our tenants would feel.’”
Alessia Serafino Nuvo Spirits
Making the Switch Finding Warehouse-Ready Space
Finding Warehouse-Ready Space
When traditional office spaces kept rejecting her, Alessia shifted her search to actual warehouse facilities. WareSpace offered everything she needed: loading docks for semi-trucks, wide hallways for pallet jacks, and management that understood business operations.
The space was small enough to fit her startup budget but came with all the amenities of a full-size warehouse. She toured, signed immediately, and brought in the state inspector who approved her licensing on the spot.
Where They Are Now Scaling Distribution
Scaling Distribution
Alessia’s business has evolved from regulatory compliance project to growing distribution operation. She currently delivers from her car—loading a few cases at a time to visit Chicago-area bars and restaurants. But she’s already planning for truck deliveries as her territory expands.
The security cameras proved invaluable when a trucking company claimed they’d attempted delivery but were rejected. The on-site manager reviewed footage, confirmed no truck had arrived, and helped Alessia avoid paying redelivery fees. The 24/7 access lets her grab inventory for next-day deliveries anytime, crucial for her busy schedule balancing business and MBA studies.
Her grandfather calls weekly to discuss new products and pricing strategies for the Illinois market, and she’s building expertise as a single malt scotch specialist while expanding her portfolio throughout Chicagoland.
“Currently I deliver off the back of my car… but one day I’m going to need to deliver off of a truck. So WareSpace is going to allow me to not only receive products off of a semi, but I can turn around and use the same loading dock and put it on my own truck to send it out for delivery.”
Alessia Serafino Nuvo Spirits
What They Love Professional Infrastructure Without the Commitment
Professional Infrastructure Without the Commitment
For Alessia, it’s the combination of professional warehouse amenities at startup-friendly scale. She gets loading docks, pallet jacks, security systems, and an on-site manager without needing a massive space or long-term commitment.
The flexibility to scale up as her business grows means she can start small while building toward her goal of having products on every liquor store shelf in the greater Chicago area.
How long does it take to sign a lease and move in?
What’s included with my rental?
Your rental at WareSpace comes with a comprehensive range of amenities and services designed to simplify your operations and maximize efficiency. Here’s what’s included:
- Loading Docks – Access to shared or private loading docks, making shipping and receiving seamless.
- Racking Systems – Available in select units to optimize your storage capacity.
- Property Taxes – Fully covered as part of your rental agreement.
- Utilities – Electricity, heating, and cooling included in your rent.
- High-Speed Internet – Fast and reliable internet to keep your business connected.
- Maintenance Services – General building maintenance, including repairs and upkeep.
- Cleaning Services – Common areas and exterior spaces cleaned regularly.
- Landscaping – Professional landscaping to maintain a clean and professional exterior.
- Security – Secure facilities with surveillance and controlled access.
- On-Site Parking – Ample parking for employees, visitors, and business vehicles.
- Shared Facilities – Access to common spaces, including conference rooms, kitchens, and restrooms.
- Waste Management – Trash and recycling services included.
- Community Perks – Networking events, tenant support, and other resources to help your business thrive.
Are there loading docks available?
Every location is designed to have the right amount of docks so there will never be a traffic jam and always be enough or the tenants to share. Most locations have 3-5 docks that are shared by the community. Traffic jams have never been an issue.
What different size options do you have for space?
Yes, all of our buildings are secure. We have interior and exterior video surveillance, access control and other methods of keeping it secure while still allowing controlled access for members, their guests, visitors and logistics deliveries.
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