Today we’d like to introduce you to Betsy O’Brien.
Hi Betsy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
With more than 15 years of experience in the craft beverage industry, I’ve had the opportunity to wear just about every hat—from bartender and bar manager to sales representative, event manager, marketing manager, and everything in between. Along the way, I discovered a passion for helping beverage brands grow and realized I wanted to build something of my own.
My experience working with startup beverage companies and helping them grow from local favorites into regional brands taught me the importance of strong brand representation and creating memorable experiences around a product. That idea became the foundation for Bee Ventures, which was originally created to help smaller beverage companies make a bigger impact at events.
What started as a simple concept grew organically with the support of an incredible community into a fleet of three mobile bars. Today, Bee Ventures provides mobile bar rentals, bar operations, and event management for festivals, weddings, corporate events, and celebrations of all kinds.
At the heart of Bee Ventures is my love for bringing people together. I’m passionate about craft beverages, live music, travel, and adventure—and I love creating experiences that combine all of those things. Whether it’s a large-scale festival, an intimate wedding, or a unique event with a great story behind it, my goal is to make the beverage experience as memorable as the event itself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Bee Ventures is a one woman show, it’s been a unique experience growing as an entrepreneur in a male dominated industry.
– Business growth has been organic largely through connections and relationships I build while working events.
– Event season in Virginia is non-stop in the Spring and Fall with a very slow Winter
– Events can be relentless. I am always impressed by the crew/team I work with. We solve impossible problems with limited resources within tight timelines.
– Physically this work is challenging. Mentally this work is challenging. Socially this work is rewarding – crafting unforgettable experiences and connections amongst strangers is my favorite component of bar management.
– I have built my business from the ground up, DIY style (no investors or funding)
– It’s difficult to fly solo – problem solving, building, pitching, operating, funding, outreaching, marketing, networking, staffing, etc on my own but I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and confident that I can deliver on my promises.
– In the end, overcoming the challenges and obstacles are the greatest reward
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Honestly I think I’m recognized as the 5 ft tall little lady that hauls kegs, moves trailers and drives a big a** truck. I treat my employees and volunteers with respect and make sure they enjoy their time working for me; which has created a network of support and community that fuels me through the long hours at every event.
Bee Ventures specializes in efficient bar management – mobile bar trailer rentals, bar operations, bar staffing, ABC compliance, mocktail creations, customer service, wedding bar services, vibe creation.
I was terrified to start something of my own and I’m proud that I believed in myself enough to try. I’m grateful for my community that encouraged and supported me to do so.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The most interesting and prevalent trend that I’m noticing is non-alcoholic. I have had many requests for dry weddings or a focus on mocktails over alcohol. It’s fun to experiment with herbal and specialty syrups – infusing them with a non-alcoholic base. Craft Beer hit a peak and is now adapting with alternatives – the craft beverage industry has always been creative, fluid and adaptable. The NA market is very exciting right now.
Pricing:
- $1750 Queen Bee Trailer Rental (wedding/corporate)
- $1750 The Hive 8 Tap Trailer Rental
- $1000 Worker Bee 6 Tap Trailer Rental
- Bartending Services
- Event Management
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beeventures.us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bee_ventures_llc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beeventuresllc
