Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole White.
Hi Nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In March 2020, I quit my job as a technology program manager to pursue entrepreneurship. Little did I know, Covid would derail my plans to start my own business. By default, I became a stay at home Mom to my then 2-year-old son. Over the next few years during the pandemic, I settled into becoming a stay at home Mom. What started as disappointment and doubt in not being able to start my own business, quickly turned into the biggest blessing. My son helped me find fulfillment in the simple, often overlooked, everyday moments life has to offer. And for that, I am forever grateful.
In February 2022, I got pregnant with my daughter. During that time, something sparked in me. I’m not sure if it was my version of “nesting” but on a whim, I came across an article about Tap Truck USA. It checked all the boxes in what I was looking for in owning a business. Customer facing, hospitatlity, creativity, flexibility, and beer. I was sold. With my husbands support, we took a leap of faith and are bringing Minnesota’s first tap truck experience to the community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any new business, there is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into play. Hours upon hours of research. Often late at night because…kids. Seeking out partnerships, marketing opportunities, and building relationships. Understanding local liquor laws. Forecasting financials. Getting technology up and running for smooth operations. Social media presence. How do you get people to know you actually exist? Then there comes the truck itself. We bought a beautiful vintage 1953 GMC Panel Truck equipped with a tap system, which we knew little about.
If there is one thing I haven’t been confident in, it’s understanding how a vintage truck will perform in our very cold state. I mean, we just recently discovered how the windshield wipers work. The first time we started it up, ended with us racing out of our garage to keep her going, 15 minutes before we committed to meeting a vendor. But like any “new” vehicle, you figure out the tricks to get you from point A to point B. It’s a learning curve. Every person starts as a beginner. And when all else fails, make sure you have a reliable mechanic.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Tap Truck Midwest is Minnesota’s first and only mobile bar experience utilizing a vintage 1953 GMC Panel Truck to serve and pour our clients’ beverages of choice. Tap Truck Midwest manifested from our passion for craft beer, wine, social events and community. We pride ourselves in providing an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience, to bring any event vision to life, stress-free. We can pull up to your driveway, wedding, corporate event, tailgate party, birthday celebration, or even a baby shower! No event is too laid-back or too classy. The star of the show is the truck, providing a unique element which is sure to elevate any event, but we also live to serve. We’re friendly, hard-working, and always in pursuit of helping our clients create lasting memories while enjoying a social beverage (or two) at hand.
We are locked and loaded and ready to “tap” into any event!
How do you think about luck?
I believe we make our own luck. We do this by dreaming, planning, and executing. But sometimes our timing is off. My timing was off 2 years ago. And it wasn’t lost time, it was gained time. Had I opened the business I originally had planned to open, I think I would have struggled to keep it above water. So I gave it up and gave my heart fully to my family. Deep down I still had a desire in my heart to do something more. Something challenging, creative, and fun.
Was it luck I happened upon an article and it ignited the spark in me to re-pursue opening my own business? I believe everything has a season and God ultimately created this timing for me. I’m not sure God is enthusiastic about me serving beer, but we do offer non-alcoholic options as well.
Pricing:
- Starting at $700
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taptruckmidwest.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/taptruckmidwest
- Facebook: facebook.com/taptruckmidwest
Image Credits
Katie Rosemaire Photography
