The Launch of Bourbon & Ash: the journey of opening the lounge with Josh Ledbetter.

Summary:In this episode of Brews & Business, host Braedon interviews Josh Ledbetter, co-owner of the newly opened Bourbon and Ash cigar lounge. They discuss the journey of opening the lounge, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, navigating industry regulations, and building a customer base organically through social media. Josh shares insights on hiring the right employees, creating a comfortable atmosphere with innovative ventilation systems, and the value of collaboration within the business community. The conversation also touches on leadership, time management, and fostering a business culture that prioritizes customer experience and employee engagement.


TakeawaysBusiness Insights:

• Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with the local community can drive loyalty and success.
• Ventilation: In cigar lounges, a great ventilation system is key to creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere.
• Social Media Marketing: Organic growth through platforms like Instagram can build a loyal customer base without excessive marketing budgets.
• Collaboration Over Competition: Partnering with local businesses and collaborating within the industry strengthens community ties.
• Business Culture: The values and culture of a business are more critical to success than individual skills.
• Leadership: Effective leadership means engaging with employees and creating an empowering work environment.

Operational Lessons:

• Regulations: The cigar and liquor industries have strict regulations, but navigating them with expert help is manageable.
• Time Management: Small business owners face constant challenges in balancing their time between operations, customer relationships, and growth.
• Jump In and Start: Over-preparation can delay progress—taking action and learning as you go is often the best path.
• Customer Retention: A good atmosphere and affordable pricing encourage customers to stay longer and return.
• Employee Engagement: Hiring the right team and empowering them sets the foundation for long-term success.

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