Veronica Winthrop, 28, has tripled her mobile bar business in the first year, but then again she got an early start on what it takes to make customers happy.
“I’ve been working with my parents since I could walk…” Winthrop said, referring to her mom and dad’s Big Wave Event Production Co.
Winthrop, a veteran bartender and her boyfriend, Alex Pock, both of Berlin, last year opened Wheels on the Rocks, a mobile bartending company.
They bring the bar, built by Pock, to customers’ corporate gatherings, weddings, birthday parties and other events. They can also provide light appetizers and charcuterie boards.
“We want you to be a guest at your own party,” Winthrop said. “It definitely elevates the experience for all your friends and family.”
Corporate administrator Chris Simonetta, who discovered the business on Thumbtack, said Winthrop and Pock were not only early to their company gala, but they carried the bar up six floors through a small offices to a loft space.
“There were so many things that made Veronica’s business so wonderful,” Simonetta said. “The appetizers were tailored specifically to our employees’ dietary restrictions and allergies, and they were raved about all night. The charcuterie boards were presented beautifully, with a wonderful array of meats, cheeses, fruits and nuts.”
Going into their second year, Winthrop said they’ve tripled their business through word of mouth, software and social media.
Their specialty is creating “unique and personal experiences.”
Steven Lecuyer said the duo did his daughter’s wedding and he’s been recommending them ever since.
“Wheels on the Rocks was fantastic. Awesome customer service,” Lecuyer said.
Dean Demartinis said he hired them for an open bar for a 30th birthday party and the first thing he noticed was the “excellent” communication.
“She is super friendly,” Demartinis said of Winthrop. “The options/customization was great. Everyone loved the drinks and had an awesome time.”
Winthrop, who has been bartending since age 18, is the face of the business and the one who makes the drinks.
Pock is the behind-the-scenes guy and graphic designer who built the rustic-looking wooden walk-up bar that can be set up inside or outside.
“We bring the whole vibe and energy of a bar to your home or venue, which I think is really cool,” she said, noting it’s her full-time gig.
Pock, who has multiple talents, but admittedly, “not a traditional career,” said he’s always wanted to be an entrepreneur and finds the mobile bar business “interesting.”
“You meet a lot of people and everybody’s definitely kind to us,” he said. “It’s definitely not a boring job.”
The couple, together for two years now, met when she moved to a residential property that he manages.
Winthrop said she suffered debilitating mold issues at a previous home, which was old construction and had to move for her health.
“It hit me really hard,” Winthrop said.
Winthrop decided to focus on health and go for the dream of owning a business to be her own full-time boss and find life balance, Winthrop said.
“All the stars aligned,” she said.
Since the pandemic more people are holding celebratory events in their homes, yards or more private venues than a bar or restaurant, Winthrop said.
Her parents’ Big Wave Event Production Co. turns spaces such as gymnasiums into event venues using draperies, lighting, audio and video. They also do some catering.
