How did you get the idea for your business?
The business was founded in 2005 by Beau in 2005. I came in 2007. The founder was running about eleven shows weekly in the area. We started looking at other trivia nights which at that time, the only places were in Nashville. At first, a lot of the music choices were inappropriate. It was meant for the bar scene. So we ended up revamping and made it more family-friendly.
How did you make your first sale?
Once I got into the business I bought territory. Then after a year, Beau and I became business partners. When I made my first sale was in Franklin, TN. I went in and 15 minutes in I sold a show. I gave them the run down and how we do things and the rest went as plan.
What is unique about owning and running a business in Murfreesboro?
The community for sure is the most unique. I didn’t know that until my daughters got to high school and began doing sports. Also, Murfreesboro is changing and is becoming something great.
As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?
Realistically, I was so growth-focused before we went into lockdown. What bothers me is looking at the schedule and not seeing anything booked. How I see it is when there is nothing booked the business is dying.
What is one way you’ve had to pivot or change course to grow your business? What led to you making that decision?
As you grow you have given up some responsibility. If I hire someone I have to trust they will do what is needed to be done and do their part. I had to learn that and it was not easy.
If you could wave a magic wand and make one problem go away in your business, what would it be?
I would have to say lack of help and being able to hire help when I need it.
If you could time travel back to the day you started your business, what advice would you give yourself?
Figure out how to train earlier in the business-like management, salespeople, etc. I didn’t put things together in the best way the first time, but it was a process to get that together.
What’s the one thing you’re doing right now from a marketing perspective that’s getting you more customers?
Shake other people’s hands, open doors, go to other businesses. Many are afraid to take the opportunity. It takes time to build those relationships. So why not take advantage and initiate.
What’s one business lesson you’ve learned that you’d be willing to share?
For new business owners, understand you are going to work twice as hard and longer than a 40 hour week job. But down the road, it will pay off and you’ll have flexibility.
What do you use for your daily to-do list?
I am a notebook person. Pen and paper is my number one choice.
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