We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful ERIC PIKE. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with ERIC below.
ERIC, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
During the Pandemic I had an idea to start a mobile bartending business as I felt the valley was underserved in this industry.
I did about 3 months of solid market research to see how other businesses were running their operations. I picked several bordering states such as Arizona,California,Utah and downloaded their pricing menus and modes of operations from local mobile bartending companies. They were all very different which allowed me to see what they were charging for services.
From this I initially formed how I would set up my pricing and booking structure. I sought out a website builder and had the website created. I had to order a few mobile bars from a builder in China. This took about 6 weeks to get here and clear customs due to COVID. I got my state license for my LLC and I was officially up and running. This was a monumental task that seemed as if it would never get accomplished. I have co-owned a food business before so I did have some business acumen.
Initially it was slow getting started. My very first gig was Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition that was held on top of the Palms Place residency. This was a massive private residence sitting on the 59th floor with it’s own elevator. It was a two day event with all types of celebrities in the the bodybuilding world. It was a massive event and I was very nervous as I wasn’t sure if I had priced it out correctly or if I was prepared enough to handle the volume of this event. The event went well with just a few hiccups ( running out of ice, and disposable cups) as the host didn’t have a solid attendance count and more guests showed up than expected.
ERIC, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi my name is Eric Pike. I initially grew up in Europe for the first 20 yrs of my life. I got into the food and beverage industry in 2010 by running four first class airport lounges in Las Vegas as a general manager where I ran all of their food and beverage programs. I was then trained by Jim Meehan who is a world famous mixologist in the art of making craft cocktails and various methods of the art of bartending as he headed a mixology program there. I left the lounge industry and started my own mobile bartending business in 2022. One of my good friends actually came up with the name for my business.
My business provides creative solutions for event planning. This starts from alcohol purchase planning, craft cocktail menu creation, mobile bar rentals, bartending classes and team building events. I rent branded bars to various customers for events. I can get beers branded with your logo or picture, items engraved, personalized banners and menus printed for any occasion.
I use high end products such as Fever Tree mixers and pride myself on making all of my own syrups and organic garnishes. What sets me apart from others is the fact that I listen to my clients needs and encourage them to be in the process to achieve the results that they are looking for. I take a personal approach and I feel that flexibility is a must. I will guarantee that your event will be a success.
I am most proud of the fact that I built this business from nothing and was financially solvent after my first year in business having recouped all of my initial investment money.
My brand means success for my clients and I strive for perfection in every detail of my work. ensuring that I deliver great service.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Word of mouth!!!!
I get 50% of my new clients via word of mouth from former clients. It is important to deliver a great product.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I saved money for several years to be able to fund my business. The old saying ” it takes money to make money” is true. Nothing comes from nothing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Nomadicmixologist.com
- Instagram: nomadicmixologistnv
- Facebook: The Nomadic Mixologist LLC
