Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Taylor Lintz, COO of TailGate Outdoor Sports Bar, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Together with my Fiancé, I'm one of the owners of TailGate Outdoor Sports bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It's a 24,000-square-foot outdoor venue that was made during COVID. Our customers vary from recent College grads to families and dogs!
Tell us about yourself
I went to LIM College in NYC, where I got a degree in Fashion Merchandising. A college internship turned into a full-time gig where I began my journey in the jewelry industry. I spent a decade in the industry, starting at a small start-up and making my way over to a large corporation.
During the COVID shutdown, my partner Jarrod had a brilliant idea to launch an outdoor sports bar. My Fiancé loved to jump without a ladder, so I stepped in to assist him with the day-to-day operations to make sure TailGate was set up for success. After launching in early 2021, the business took off, and I left the jewelry industry behind to help build the brand behind TailGate.
My fiancé and I motivate each other each day. We both have bigger dreams and goals that we want to accomplish and achieve. So even when the days are tough, we look to each other for hope!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is when I'm traveling and not in NY, and someone asks me what I do, and they tell me that they've been to my bar and had a great time. That, to me, is the ultimate accomplishment!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
There are a lot of highs and lows. The highs are really high, and the lows are even lower. I would be lying if I said that it's all rainbows and butterflies because it's absolutely not. Think the hardest thing for me is trying to please everyone and their expectations. We work very hard to try to make everyone happy, and unfortunately, it's not possible.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never ever give up. Some days are harder than others, but there's no reward without risk.
- Listen and learn always. You are going to make mistakes, and that's okay; just make sure you learn and grow from that mistake.
- If you have a partner, make sure to split up the tasks and duties. Where I lack, Jarrod excels in, and vice versa. It helps us tackle different things and not step on each other's toes!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tailgatebk.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailgatebrooklyn/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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