Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie McElroy-Peavler.
Hi Laurie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In November of 2018, I came to Hermann looking for commercial property to probably open a retail store. The realtor showed me one last property that wasn’t zoned commercial but could be turned into a Bed and Breakfast. It needed lots of work, the outside was purple. Inside had bright red walls, it needed bathrooms, no living quarters for the owners. But I went back home and couldn’t get it out of my head. A bed and breakfast was always something I wanted to do, I just felt that it would be more retirement. I had went through a divorce after 23 years so I was ready for a new start. I talked to my kids who were 23 and 18 at the time, prayed about it. Decided to go for it. We opened in May 2019!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
COVID. COVID hit directly after I opened. It was a struggle for sure. I technically didn’t HAVE to close, so after the dust settled so to speak and things weren’t quite as scary. I began marketing “Stay in with us” most of the local restaurants were closed so I created a money saving menu. Where I could create like 3 different meals with the same ingredients. It was pretty crazy what you could come up with in desperate times.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been a business owner since I was 23. I purchased the property that is now Bohlken House Bed and Breakfast in early 2019. New town, new start, new business. I knew no one in Hermann. My daughter and I moved into an inhabitable basement. She took the big leap of faith with me. Yes, she was leaving for college but what a sacrifice. The summer before she left she came to town where she knew no one. She had always lived in a brand new house. I moved her into a basement where we had to wear shoes in the shower. I focused on hospitality, served breakfast IN the rooms. Tried to make each stay a memorable one. People came back, again and again. Word of mouth went a long way. I didn’t use a booking engine my whole first year. You just had to text me. THAT was crazy. But somehow in an already saturated market here in Hermann I built a successful business that I’m very proud of today.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
You can’t please everyone. There’s always going to be one guest that isn’t happy no matter what and you just have to make the most of it. Apologize (or not) and go on. I used to get so worked up if I couldn’t fix something or if a guest was upset even if it was totally out of my control. I had to let it go.
Pricing:
- $189/ night except in October
Contact Info:
- Email: Bohlkenhouse@gmail.com
