Jim Bendis
FOUNDER/CHAIRMAN/CEO | BENDISTILLERY, CRATER LAKE SPIRITS, ABLIS FUNCTIONAL INFUSIONS
I'm Jim, and I’m a 2025 Kendall Catwalk Model! Help me meet my $2,500 pledge amount in support of Furnish Hope by purchasing an event ticket to see me on the runway OR by donating below.
When I was invited to join Catwalk for a Cause, I didn’t hesitate. I love what Furnish Hope does for the community, and this felt like a fun and meaningful way to give back.
I’m the Founder and Chairman of Bendistillery, where we craft Crater Lake Spirits and Ablis CBD Infusions. I often joke that my job is just to “make booze,” but in reality, I’m deeply involved in building and leading our family of companies. What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve created. Our team is like a family, and together we’ve created award-winning products our customers have come to love.
Outside of work, I stay grounded through what I call “moving meditations” - running, biking, swimming and CrossFit. I love the active lifestyle here in Central Oregon and all the outdoor opportunities it offers.
My dad was a huge inspiration to me growing up, and he taught me to work hard and love passionately. If I could go back and say something to my 12-year-old self, it would probably be: “I wonder if a cute girl will sit next to me in school,” but also to live in the present moment.
To me, hope is that feeling of belief and desire in a positive outcome. And home? Home isn’t a place - it’s that feeling in your heart when you’re with the people you love.
Raising $5,000 for Furnish Hope is a true honor, and walking the runway is just a small way to stand up for something big.