We were lucky to catch up with Shawn Larson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shawn, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
This idea that we did here has been a work in progress for years in the making. Obviously you have to go through some ups and downs and everything happens for a reason. After having an unsuccessful partnership in another venture I chalked it up to a very expensive learning lesson. My current business partner actually used to work as bartenders at Sol Cantina. We always talked about doing a place together. Well the stars aligned and we were able to open up Social in Waldo and its been above and beyond what we thought it would be. The Waldo community embraced us and its been a joy to be in the area.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I got my degree from Pittsburg St. and attempted to enter the “real world.” Well the job market wasn’t the best at that time and I took a job as a barback in the bar industry to make ends meet. Well it was something that I fell in love with. That was 2003 and was the best decision I’ve ever made. I believe in giving people great service, making people enjoy my place and delivering a great product wile doing it. It’s seemed to work for me. There is nothing better feeling when people come up to me and tell me what a great place we have here and how much they love it. It genuinely makes my day every time.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Keeping morale is key for me. In an industry of major turnover, I’ve been blessed with a staff that is not only amazing, but I don’t have turnover and I believe its because they love the place. Almost of all my staff are originals. I really love and care about them and when they see me go the extra mile to help them, then they do the same for me. I really consider them family. Some of the things that I’ve done is close down to take them to a Royals game, or close down and bring in a DJ just to throw a party for them. I make it a point to recognize the birthday in our Facebook group. I also like to pick up coffee every now and then as well. I know that little things mean a lot to me so I know they do to them as well.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2016 I had a business that failed. I felt like I poured my heart to build it. Literally laid the floor by myself with some friends and family members. I really got into a horrible partnership and I had to walk away from the business because it was toxic for my life. I lost everything and I was the brokest I’ve ever been in my life. Actually was negative because I took out credit just to get the doors open. This was 5 years ago. I really began to question my decision to pursue this industry. Then spent some talking with some people I respected. They all assured me that I was one of the best and it will work out for me. So I went to work. Took a partnership with Sol Cantina. That gave me the opportunity to not only pull myself out of my financial situation, starting putting myself in a great position. Would chat with my buddy Tyler Humar who owned the restaurant next door. This is my buddy that I started bartending with 13 years ago. All the time we would talk about doing a place together. Then the stars aligned and Waldo came available and we jumped on it and haven’t looked back.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.waldosocialkc.com
- Instagram: @socialwaldo
- Facebook: @socialwaldo
- Twitter: @socialwaldo