We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bret Cooley-Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Bret thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

My parents always raised us to do what makes us happy. I am so thankful that no matter the path my siblings and I took they were always so supportive of our decisions. I think for me personally I took the untraditional path into my career, thru life struggles, many mistakes (and my parents still were in my corner) but eventually settled into my career then was able to launch my small business. My dream is to one day make my small business not just my side gig my main source of income. Because now that I am doing something that makes me happy it does not feel like work.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

So in 2010 was the first time I stepped foot behind a bar in a small town in North Carolina called Elon. I met the owner thru a friend who was working there and he gave me a chance. Taught me the basics to bartending and it literally took off from there. I took what I had learned and started to apply at local night clubs in Greensboro North Carolina where I found my niche. Working in night life gave me exposure to so much more as is relates to the bar scene. Working with promoters I was able to start working in surrounding cities for major concerts and events. And by word of mouth was now I booked my first wedding. I didn’t have the slightest clue how to execute but I was confident in my bartending skills so I went for it! Watching people celebrate such a special day and knowing I could contribute by displaying a nice bar, great drink selections and interacting with their guests gave me the idea to try to pursue doing weddings and private events more often. So with they help of referrals and social media I’ve been fortunate enough to have steady business. With each wedding/event I learn something new, ways to improve and provide better service the next go-round.

I pride myself in being a true professional, communicative, innovative, affordable and I bring years of experience and expertise.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I recently did a wedding where one of the signature drinks was a Mango Jalapeño Margarita! When I arrived at the wedding to set up I noticed there was no mango purée or the essential ingredients to make the margarita. I connected with the coordinator and we became aware that the items we needed were not onsite. A family member came over and asked how they could assist. I explained we could utilize other ingredients to get a similar result. We made it happen and I remember that family member coming back later and was just so thankful at how I was able to remain calm, come up with an alternative solution and execute. He kept saying he was so impressed at how unfazed I was. My response was simply “this is what I do”! Many times in bartending we have to pivot but the key is keeping composure and still providing great service.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The fest source has been Facebook for sure. Being apart of all the small business pages, North Carolina Wedding pages has been the main source of my clientele. In these forums you are able to showcase and post about your business as well as connecting with vendors and clients looking for services. Any time I see a post needing a bartender I respond, add my business information and send a short private message with services offered. If I see a post needing a DJ, photographer, caterer, makeup artist, venue I am tagging those I’ve worked with in the past. Even on posts where the date is one I already have booked I tag other bartenders to help give everyone exposure.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://poplme.co/hash/PhucZajj/1/s
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shakenandstirred_bartendingnc?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084949033187&mibextid=LQQJ4d