Don Vultaggio

Vultaggio grew up in Flatbush, a working-class neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, New York. His father was the manager of an A&P supermarket. == Career ==

Vultaggio and his business partner John Ferolito started a beer distribution company in the 1980's. The company's Midnight Dragon malt liquor stirred up controversy for its racy advertisements. In the early 90's, Vultaggio's Crazy Hourse malt liquor, named after the Sioux warrior Crazy Horse was banned in many states after protests and lawsuits from various Native American groups. Vultaggio made the move into ready-to-drink tea industry during that time, and in 1992, co-founded the Arizona Beverage Company with John Ferolito from a warehouse in Brooklyn. In 2015, following a lengthy and bitter legal battle, he bought out Ferolito for about $1 billion. == Personal life ==

Vultaggio is married to Ilene, an artist. Their sons both work for the company; Wesley as chief creative officer and Spencer as chief marketing officer. In 2004, they bought a two-acre "private peninsula" in Sands Point, New York, for $4 million, and finished building a 30-room mansion in 2007. == References ==