We recently connected with Joanna Cox and have shared our conversation below.
Joanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
In 2018, our son, Travis Livingston, a disabled veteran, came to me, (his mom) and my husband, his step dad and said he wanted to start a business where we can employ disabled veterans, give purpose, have fun and donate some of the profits to various veteran organizations that he was involved in. He had been working for another service and wanted to start something on his own. Since his step dad is a veteran, and so was he, it would be Veteran owned and family owned and operated. We agreed and started the business. Travis was a Navy Corpsman in Afghanistan and had been dealing with some serious injuries and PTSD that he’d worked hard to overcome. He had become addicted to opioids to help with the pain from several surgeries and fought his addiction and was thriving in his life with friends, a healthy life and we were really proud of him and wanted to help get him started in this business. The first year was really great, but in 2020, when Covid started, all his activities, and our thriving business came to a halt leaving him depressed and isolated. He was working out and hurt his back, and took a “pain pill” laced with fentanyl, and on September 15, 2020 and we lost Travis. My heart was broken and my grief was overwhelming. When I wanted to close the business, friends and family stepped up and helped me to keep the business going and we’ve made it a legacy business for Travis Livingston. I’ve worked tirelessly to make sure his dreams are a reality and want him to have all the success he worked so hard for.
Joanna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Most of who I am is covered in our mission about this business. I’m a mom trying to keep my son’s legacy alive by keeping this business. It’s very important to me that the way Travis died, never defines who he was in life. I’m most proud that even in the darkest of circumstances, I stepped up and made my son proud by growing this business.
We went from 4 bartenders to over 25 bartenders and multiple events every month. We’ve partnered with some great venues, caterers and event planners and have a great reputation with over 75 5 star reviews. But, what I’m most proud of is our team. Many are friends of Travis’ and even the team who never knew him, knows and understands what this business means to me and have kept his legacy alive. At the end of the year, we’re able to donate a small percentage to his favorite veteran groups.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Our reputation has been built on honest, relationship business. Our partners and our clients know that what we say we do, and communication is key. We’re transparent, and if we do have a situation where something wasn’t right, we acknowledge it, we’re accountable, and we do everything we can to make it right. Our pricing is competitive and fair. We understand most are on budgets and the planning of weddings and events can be overwhelming and we’re here to work with them!
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
My husband, a retired Navy Commander and currently a commercial airline Pilot is the owner. We share the business and have a great team who is supportive and professional.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.americasfinestbartending.com
- Instagram: americasfinestbartending
- Facebook: americasfinestbartending