Rising Stars: Meet Bret Cooley-Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bret Cooley-Jones.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started bartending in 2011, I went to see a friend who was working and was helping her clean up her bar. After that night, I told her how cool it was watching her work and she asked her boss if they could use the extra help, That next week I started working at the Taphouse in Elon, NC. Once I gained experience I put myself out there applying to several clubs in Greensboro and after landing on the rest is history. Being in a college city brought a lot of exposure and experience, which lead to traveling to Charlotte and Raleigh to do events such as CIAA or Homecoming events. After years of bartending in clubs, I decided to take a different approach and started doing weddings, corporate events, etc. The success I’ve had over the last five years of working for myself has been so rewarding. The networking and personal/professional relationships I have formed along the way have made a huge impact on my life.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Like all small business, you have your highs and lows. For the most part it’s all been fairly smooth sailing as this is still a part-time venture for me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a bartender, the key is really being able to connect with the people. I work at a bar part-time but I specialize in events (weddings, baby showers, birthday parties and corporate events). I feel I am known for my tenure in the field. Even though I am in my mid-30s I have been bartending for 13 years. So I’ve worked almost everywhere and I never forget a face. Being personable, fun and engaging I think is what sets me apart. I love to be around people and when you become a part of such milestones in another person’s life but showing up with truly genuine intentions guests can always pick up on the good vibes and it makes for an amazing event.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Absolutely, people miss being around each other and I think when we were finally able to come back together, there was such a camaraderie and what better way to celebrate life than over a drink?!?

Pricing:

• Weddings $400
• Private events $500
• Bartending Bootcamp Classes $125

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/balexandria_cooleyjones?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084949033187