Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Heenan.
Hi Kelsey, 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?
I began bartending in college while attending KU (Rock Chalk!). I worked my way up to General Manager and fell in love with the industry. I started a full-time job shortly after college and realized there was something missing- my passion for creating cocktails and connecting with people.
I began bartending for special events on the side of my full-time job just for fun. Bartending was the perfect marriage (no pun intended) of merging my desire to build cocktails while meeting new friends and still maintaining my full-time job throughout the week!
Since then (six years ago), we have grown from two bartenders to almost 30! In the past two years, we have launched our mobile beverage truck Wanda, and our mobile tap tricycle, Wheelbur. Although it hasn’t been easy, we have made so many connections within the community and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities the business has given me!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I wish I could say it’s been a smooth road! It has been such a learning curve. From tap truck breakdowns to Covid-19 outbreaks with staff shortages we have been through a lot! One thing I can say is, I am EXTREMELY thankful for the community we have in KC. I regularly chat with several other wedding professionals including other bartending companies to talk through tough situations we have all faced. Kansas City is big on “community over competition” and I cannot be more thankful for the friendships I have made over the years.
One particular day, I was taking my tap tricycle (Wheelbur) to its first event. It was extremely windy and I did not strap the top-down well enough. I glanced up and the whole top of the tricycle was in the middle of the highway! Thankfully, I was able to recover and complete the event but mostly, I am thankful for the other women in the KC mobile bartending group. They gave me a great laugh about the situation when it was all said and done- they even joked about renaming my business to Topless Travelers- ha!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Tom’s Travelers brings an elevated bartending service to weddings, corporate events, and private parties. We are known for our Tap Truck- Wanda and our Tap Tricycle- Wheelbur. We have been serving the Kansas City area for six years. Our staff loves what we do and the connections that we make when we are out in the community.
We are customer forward thinkers and always strive to give our clients the best experience possible. We have built many relationships within the community that we treasure, and we look forward to many more.
Our full list of services can be found on our website: https://tomstravelers.com/.
What does success mean to you?
My definition of success is stepping outside of your comfort zone and going for it. Six years ago, I was sitting on my couch pondering what I could do to elevate bar/cocktail experiences for people in groups. Did I think I was capable of getting to where I am now? Honestly, no. To me, being successful starts with being vulnerable.
Someone who is successful is someone who takes chances and has the motivation and drives to make it happen. Becoming successful is hard, it’s a lot of work, and I still have a lot of learning and growing to do. I am however thankful that I have an incredible support system to help guide me through the process.
Pricing:
- Bartending service starts at $40 an hour with a minimum of $160 for the event
- Cocktail Classes are priced by menu
- Wanda Rental begins at $700
- Wheelbur Rental begins at $500
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.tomstravelers.com
- Instagram: @tomstravelerskc
- Facebook: @tomstravelerskc
