Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Kovacs.
Hi Christine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hello, I have been a horsewoman from the age of nine. I am a first generation American my family moved to the US after WWII from Transylvania. Our family name means Blacksmith, so my roots are tied to horses as far as my family remembers. Through my youth I breed, showed and trained horses. I attended Averett College in the 80’s and received a degree in Equine Studies and Business Administration. After a divorce and in my mid 40’s I decided to purchase and run a full-service carriage services providing historical tours, ghost tours, Christmas tours and private rides for special occasions. I also provide wedding carriage services and South Asian “White Horse” services for their wedding processions. There were other companies before me, but they ran the company like a hobby. I automated everything and grew the company into a full-time successful business. We have gone full circle, now I am semi-retired and work weeknights and weekends, that is until the Halloween and Holiday Seasons.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This business came out of a divorce. I worked a full time Government Contractor job while building the business. My son helped me through college and until he started his career with Navy Federal Credit Union. Through the 16 years of owning this tourism business I struggled with autoimmune disease and breast cancer. Other than missing a few days for surgery I never stopped working through it. There are always challenges and obstacles when you are a small business owner. I left my Government Contracting job in late 2016 and have been working my business full time ever since.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in history and customer service; I am the ambassador for the city. I make visitors feel comfortable and build their curiosity about the city. When we ride through the city, I point out all the historical sites and give them enough information to want to visit the site. I am proud that every time we show up, we look and act professional. What sets us apart from others is our attention to detail and providing a more intimate experience than the other tours in town.
How do you define success?
Success to me is knowing that people will leave the carriage happy and amazed at our storytelling. It has been a blessing to be part of customer’s most exciting milestones of their lives. It may be a customer’s 50th birthday, a wedding, a 50th Anniversary, or a proposal.
Pricing:
- Private Rides run from $85 -$125 per carriage
- Group Rides (meaning you can ride with strangers) run from $15 -$30 per person
- Holiday Rides (Private Friends & Family) start at $135 per carriage
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oldetownecarriages.com/
- Instagram: @fredcarriages
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldeTowneCarriageToursOfFredericksburg
