We recently connected with Shannon Rundle and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shannon, thanks for joining us today. Not Found
Events can be overwhelming for folks. People opt to DIY a lot of things for themselves these days… skip the event planner and enlist the help of well-meaning friends and family. Sometimes BarFly comes in just as the hired bartender, and we find ourselves doing some (or many) extra things. There are often times when I work with a couple or an individual, corresponding constantly for months and months before their wedding or event to make sure everything is right for them. That is so important for these people that just want peace of mind… to be ensured that things will go well and we have their back. They need to know that we CARE.
There are countless other companies where anyone can easily book a bartender to show up and serve drinks, but we make a special effort to get it right… make the moments happen. We ensure all bases are covered so that clients can show up calmly and confidently, ready to enjoy the big moment they’ve been waiting for.
I have a bulletin board in my office that is pinned with dozens of hand-written “Thank You” notes that I regard fondly. I cherish each and every one. I read our lengthy and heart-felt reviews on Yelp, etc and it honestly just fills my heart with gratitude that we were there. We were a part of this ultra-meaningful day for someone that trusted us to take care of them and we made it great. There is nothing more rewarding than that and I know that BarFly will forever be a happy little blip in their lives.
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
I have been in the Hospitality industry for 25 years now… since I was 15. While that math is inarguable, and although I’ve done and could continue to do other things, I just can’t quit. It is the most rewarding thing to serve others. Especially when we are in such an age of “self” and it seems that quality service anywhere has gone to the wayside. Learn your guests’ names. Find out what they need. Serve it with a smile. Make people feel welcome and cared for… that’s how we do it.
I am honored to serve others and see it as a priveledge and an opportunity. These events are so special to people. This is a milestone in their lives. We get to be a part of their history and our little place in it is going to shine.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I have gratefully unlearned is how ethnocentric our worlds can be. BarFly has worked events for the biggest and richest to the most humble of folks. All races, religious backgrounds, orientations… While I thought I was well-versed in culture, I am still happily being blessed with the diversity of our civilization. There is always more to embrace and we are so thankful for the opportunity. There is something to learn and celebrate from every event, every beautiful story.
Have you ever had to pivot?
COVID has been a heavy hitter for all of us and changed our lives in so many ways. When it seemed all was lost for events, I was completely ready to finally close shop and transition to whatever came next. Then the vaccine rolled out, and people were ready to go. It occurred to me that we had to move on and still celebrate and live these moments, no matter what. It is now my challenge to do so safely and happily for our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.barflysandiego.com
- Instagram: barflysandiego
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/barfly-beverage-solutions-oceanside