Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Fuller.
Jay, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
CraftYours Consulting consists of my partners Brian Gehrisch and John Caron, along with myself. The two of them lead all things beverage, while I manage business operations. We started two years ago (2016) doing 1 cocktail class a month at Four Star Lounge in Lincoln Park. The classes were REALLY small like we were lucky to get 5 people, small.
That being said, we kept moving forward doing everything we could do get ourselves in front of people. We gradually picked up more steam to closeout 2016 with events at MakeOffices, WeWork, and Flirty Girl Fitness. Last summer, we found our niche doing on-site classes at residential high rises throughout the city. Combined with attending networking and industry related events such as Hospitality Fest, we made a lot of great contacts and since really positioned ourselves well.
We now have a reoccurring client list and have partnered up with numerous liquor distributors and event venues. In fact, we already have a full calendar through May, in comparison to having just one event on the books this time last year.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it was definitely not a smooth beginning. There was a lot of outreach we did that went unanswered or was just flat our rejected. We lacked credibility, so pushing through that phase wasn’t easy. I think all three of us questioned what exactly we were and what were trying to be on multiple occasions. That being said, the more we did (at our own expense), the more new opportunities opened up.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with CraftYours Consulting – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We provide creative cocktail services through events, interactive classes, and team building exercises. I think all three of us would agree, we’re proud of how far we’ve come. The first class we ever put on 2 years ago consisted of 5 people, 2 of which were John’s sisters. We’ve since done events for companies SalesForce, Deloitte, WeWork, and have re-occurring client list.
The growth we have experienced in a short time has been amazing and gratifying. I think what separates us is the care we put into our services. We’re very attentive no matter who we’re working with. We want to make sure you’ll think of us again after letting us be apart of your event the first time.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like everything about this city. Probably a pretty popular answer – I like the weather the least (shocker). But if there wasn’t something to complain about, it’d almost be too perfect.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.craftyourscocktails.com
- Email: team@craftyourscocktails.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftyours/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftYours/
Image Credit:
Baby Pomegranate Photography
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