Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Ford.
Hi Michael, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m the owner of Liquid on Wheels. We are a mobile bartending service specializing in craft cocktails and exceptional guests experiences. My journey began back in Maryland where I’m originally from. Feeling complacent in my career. I realized I had reached my professional ceiling, personally and financially and so I knew I needed to make a change. Recognizing that I needed to make more of an investment in myself. I felt a change of scenery would be the first step towards my new journey.
I had a friend who was a self-taught mixologist, and I had always been mesmerized watching him mix and create cocktails. After many years in the customer service industry as a medical professional engaging with people came natural to me. So I figured, why not take a shot at attending Bartending school to earn some extra money. Besides, I’ve always enjoyed a good cocktail and had already been making sangria for my family and friends anyway. So I figured bartending would come naturally for me.
As a mobile bartending service, we strive to provide a unique experience through craft cocktails and conversations. We want to expose our clients to a new and innovative way to enjoy creative libations. Our goal is to have our drinks speak for themselves as they are the focus of our marketing strategy. I’m most proud of the team I have built around me. We collaborate together, always coming up with new ways to impress our clients and their guests. We’re always incorporating different liqueurs, freshly made mixers and evening using fresh fruits and herbs in every cocktail.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to success has certainly not been an easy one. But I’ve always been a firm believer that sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward. In the beginning, I lacked the confidence and uncertainty to pursue my own business. The biggest hesitation was, of course, being scared of failure. What if I don’t have what it takes to be a business owner? What if I don’t have what it takes to compete against other bartending services? Do I have what it takes to stand out and draw in clients? During my time working with event companies when first moving to Houston, the thing I observed is they lacked the most was originality and craftsmanship when it came to making cocktails. I knew I wanted my business to focus on craft drinks. I didn’t want just to make cranberry and vodka or standard margaritas. I wanted to incorporate different elements to give my drinks personality and a restaurant-quality feel to them.
Our biggest challenge like most small businesses was Covid-19, which shut us down for about eight months. Though Covid was devastating, it was also a blessing in disguise for us. It forced us out of our comfort zone. During Covid, we started during IG live videos to stay in engaged with clientele and followers and from there, we started our virtual mixology classes. Those classes really kept us afloat during the pandemic. We were able to reach a broader audience and forge new relationships with other business owners and brand owners which resulted in paid partnerships and sponsorships.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are still growing and learning. I view every event as a new experience and an opportunity to improve the company. I don’t want to just be another mobile bartending service. Part of our long-term vision is to expand into other markets in and around Texas. We’re working towards expanding our services to eventually become a full-service event company providing glassware, rental equipment, and even event planners. I want Liquid on Wheels to become a household name and brand.
Pricing:
- Bartenders 50/Hr.
- Servers $25/Hr.
- Cocktail waitresses 35/Hr.
Contact Info:
- Email: liquidonwheels@gmail.com
- Website: liquidonwheels.com
- Instagram: liquidwheels
- Facebook: Liquidonwheels
Image Credits:
Liquid on wheels
