We caught up with the brilliant and insightful TREY WALKER a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

TREY, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Becoming a full time business owner was the largest risk I have taken. Before creating T.A.G Team Mixologists, I was in the education field for 9 plus years. I spent my 20’s and early 30’s working in a classroom as a Kindergarten teacher, 5th grade teacher, 2nd grade teacher, and even a Dean of Behavior. I loved teaching and seeing the growth and development of each student, it was definitely one of the highlights. Towards the latter have of my career, I got my second Masters in Business Leadership and I think that’s when my gears began to shift. I was asked by my fraternity brother if I still remembered how to bartend. from my college years… I said sure do. So I began working part-time at a restaurant in Dunwoody, GA. After being there for about 3 years, my regulars told me that I need to start my own company and with in 3 months, I did it. T.A.G Team Mixologists was created, I knew I had the skill sets to be a great bartender/mixologist, but never in a million years did I think I would run my own company. It was 2017 after going back and forth with myself that I would stop teaching and work full- time for myself. I took many risks and not having the consistent paychecks, health insurance, and the list goes on, but with the drive and learning experiences I have endured throughout life. I can say that I happy about my decision and it was a risk worth taking.

TREY, 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?

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Trey began bartending and mixing since college. A graduate of Georgia Southern University, with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Masters from Central Michigan University in Curriculum and Instruction and Business Leadership, Trey was in education for 9 years and also a professional dancer. While teaching and dancing, Trey later found his true passion of mixing drinks and cocktails for his friends and family. In the midst of teaching and dancing, Trey became a part-time bartender and quickly was promoted to Head Bartender and later Bar Manager for a popular Japanese restaurant called Taki Japanese Steakhouse in Dunwoody, Georgia. As he began to develop his skills and mastery of bartending and mixology, T.A.G Team Mixologists was created.
T.A.G Team Mixologists focuses on creating and mixing specialty cocktails and beverages for any and all events. We cater to weddings, birthdays, parties, corporate events, reunions, and much more. T.A.G Team Mixologists also focuses on training, consulting and educating others about mixology and bartending. Trey has trained bartenders, managers, and restaurant owners in Georgia and other states to increase their bar and restaurant ROI. In addition to creating his name in the restaurant and bar industry, Trey has published his first recipe book “The Four Seasons of T.A.G”.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The biggest pivot thus far for me had to have been during the pandemic. I didn’t know how to move, how I was going to make any money, dealing with clients that are cancelling their events or parties and wanting refunds, I was in a whirlwind for sure. As I am thinking and stressing on what to do next and the how, I took a step back from the norm and utilized the tools that were in front of me. I began to do virtual happy hours. From those happy hours, I then began to teach online bartending classes, from the bartending classes, I began to do crafted cocktails for the days of the week and the best part of it all, I did created a T.A.G Team Mixologists delivery service, and I would drive all over the city to make sure my clients and customers had what they needed to enjoy their time in quarantine and away from me… lol This pivotal journey has led me to continue what I started and helped with the growth and development of my brand and companies drive and purpose

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Keeping in touch with my clients has been fairly easy. With the use of social media, I allow my clients to DM me for inquiries about or services and any company changes. I allow them to call or email me and I respond in less the 24 hours. I also have a website, with all the details needed on the happenings, events, upcoming sales, promotions, and exclusive T.A.G Team Mixologists updates. I love to know that my clients and customers are able to feel comfortable asking questions and seeing that I care.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tagteammixologists.com
• Instagram: TAGTEAMMIXOLOGISTS
• Facebook: T.A.G TEAM MIXOLOGISTS

Image Credits
JEANINE WALKER SIRKAISHI BRAND