Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with James Heigis, Founder of The Walpack Inn, located in Wallpack Center, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a restaurant, The Walpack Inn. We have many local customers, especially those that enjoy exploring the Delaware Water Gap and spending time in nature. We also have customers that come from far away, such as New York City and more urban parts of New Jersey, looking to enjoy a day trip in the country.
Tell us about yourself
My parents bought the Walpack Inn in 1949. You can read more about the Inn's history here- https://www.walpackinn.com/history. When I first took over the business, I was passionate about building and wanted to create a unique place, a destination, that people really enjoyed. For example, I built the fireplace in my younger years, and still, to this day, it is one of my favorite areas to dine in the restaurant. I noticed that people would come in and observe the Inn's unique features, and this made me want to do more. I wanted it to be a place where people felt comfortable and welcome right away... Combine that with good food, and you have a great place.
At this point, I am motivated by seeing what a successful business we have built, and it is meaningful to continue to contribute to its growth. I am now 85 years old. I believe that people with a mission and purpose live the longest lives. Each day I get up in the morning and make a list of things I need to complete that day. Still, at my age, I am excited about growing the business and helping it evolve in new ways. I have always liked the idea of having land, building it, and developing it over time. That is what we continue to do here.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is having customers that have been coming to the restaurant for 50 or 60 years. They came as children, and now they bring their grandchildren or even great-grandchildren to the restaurant. This is one of the most rewarding things to observe over the years. I also enjoy building freeform slab tables. I built all of the tables in the restaurant, and it makes me feel great to see people sitting around them enjoying their time. Sometimes customers request to sit at a specific table in the building. It is rewarding to see something I built to be such a special part of someone's meal.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
When you take in less than you spend in a week... (This was a joke, haha). I can remember a night early in the Inn's history when I first built the dining room. I unlocked the door, turned on all the lights, had the staff ready, and no one came in the whole night, not a single customer. It can be very difficult to persevere in the early days of growing a business. It takes time to build a loyal customer base and learn what products people will return for. Now it means a lot to us to see the same individuals return and choose the Inn to celebrate a special life event.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You must have a good product that people will return for.
- You have to welcome your customers and give great service immediately.
- Let the customer know they are appreciated and you value their business. Take the time to ask them about their experience.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.walpackinn.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewalpackinn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewalpackinn/
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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