Behind the Bar with Barrel and Bloom Co.
Behind the Bar with Barrel and Bloom Co.
Behind the Bar with Barrel and Bloom Co.: An Interview with Tom Janeiro
Interviewer: Welcome, Tom! Let’s dive into your background. Can you share what inspired you to start Barrel and Bloom Co.?
Tom: Sure! I worked as a server and bartender through college at a country club in Massachusetts, mostly catering weddings. I loved the energy, the fun with staff, and connecting with guests. After graduating from UMass, I took a corporate job that paid well but was painfully boring. I missed engaging with people and creating memorable moments. That’s what ultimately pulled me back to my roots.
Interviewer: Was there a specific moment that sparked the idea for Barrel and Bloom?
Tom: Absolutely. In 2022, after quitting my corporate job, I traveled to Cartagena, Colombia. While doing online marketing work at a local bar, I noticed a mixologist laughing and connecting with customers. That moment made me realize I wanted to pursue something meaningful and engaging. The seed for Barrel and Bloom was planted right then.
Interviewer: Let’s talk about the name—Barrel and Bloom. What’s the story behind it?
Tom: I’m a bit of a literary nerd and love alliterations. I also wanted a name that balanced masculine and feminine energy. Since I’m a big fan of whiskey and flowers, Barrel and Bloom felt perfect. It took me a week of brainstorming to land on it, but it was worth it.
Filling a Market Gap
Interviewer: How did you notice a gap in the market for quality mobile bar services?
Tom: During the wedding boom of 2021 and 2022, I attended several events and noticed bartenders weren’t engaging or pleasant. It baffled me—this was the most important day of someone’s life, and the service fell flat. That’s when I decided to create a bartending company that prioritizes joy and connection.
Interviewer: Did any personal experiences influence your decision?
Tom: Definitely. A friend shared a nightmare story about her wedding bartenders being rude and dismissive. That conversation confirmed Colorado needed a local bartending company that genuinely cares about its clients and their events.
Building the Brand and Team
Interviewer: Starting a business is never easy. What challenges did you face early on?
Tom: Finding the right bartenders was tough. I needed people who weren’t just skilled but also fun, engaging, and professional under pressure. It’s a rare mix.
Interviewer: How did you overcome that?
Tom: Luckily, I had friends in the service industry who fit the bill perfectly. They were hardworking and hilarious, which made them a great foundation for my team.
Interviewer: What sets Barrel and Bloom apart from other mobile bar services?
Tom: It’s all about the experience. My team and I connect with guests on a personal level, whether it’s cracking jokes, dancing, or creating custom menus. The attention to detail we bring to our events ensures every experience is unique.
Interviewer: How do you ensure each event feels special?
Tom: It starts with preparation. During our initial calls, we dive into the couple’s preferences, themes, and vision. From there, we offer a free tasting in Denver to fine-tune the menu. We aim to reflect each couple’s personality and culture in every cocktail we create.
Personalizing the Experience
Interviewer: You emphasize local ingredients and eco-friendly practices. What inspired that?
Tom: Sustainability is core to our brand. Celebrating in nature—like the Rockies—comes with a responsibility to protect it. We aim to reduce waste while offering a premium service.
Interviewer: What does a typical day look like when preparing for an event?
Tom: For a 100-person wedding, prep starts 6-8 hours before the event. We inventory bar equipment, check alcohol orders, and pick up fresh produce and ice. Once on-site, I check in with vendors, oversee setup, and ensure everything’s ready before passing out champagne.
Growing the Business
Interviewer: How do you see Barrel and Bloom evolving in the future?
Tom: I want us to be the largest wedding bartending service in Colorado while expanding into corporate and private events. Long-term, I’d love to bring our unique culture to cities like New York and Austin.
Interviewer: How do you plan to stay competitive while maintaining your personal touch?
Tom: It’s all about people—keeping both clients and staff excited and happy. If we focus on joy and connection, the business will thrive naturally.
Reflecting on the Journey
Interviewer: Looking back, what are you most proud of?
Tom: The heartfelt embraces and thanks from couples after their weddings. Knowing we made their day unforgettable means everything to me.
Interviewer: What advice would you give your younger self before starting this business?
Tom: Success doesn’t happen overnight—give yourself grace during setbacks. And always bring extra ice!
Contact Information
Interviewer: How can people book Barrel and Bloom for their events?
Tom: They can fill out the contact form on our website, barrelandbloomco.com, email us at hello@barrelandbloomco.com, or call (978) 888-5126.
Interviewer: Any final words for couples planning their weddings?
Tom: Let’s make your big day unforgettable. And keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook for new cocktail ideas and venue highlights. We’re here to bring your vision to life—one drink at a time!
Want to feature your own wedding business? Contact Engaged AF Magazine
Behind the Bar with Barrel and Bloom Co.: An Interview with Tom Janeiro
Interviewer: Welcome, Tom! Let’s dive into your background. Can you share what inspired you to start Barrel and Bloom Co.?
Tom: Sure! I worked as a server and bartender through college at a country club in Massachusetts, mostly catering weddings. I loved the energy, the fun with staff, and connecting with guests. After graduating from UMass, I took a corporate job that paid well but was painfully boring. I missed engaging with people and creating memorable moments. That’s what ultimately pulled me back to my roots.
Interviewer: Was there a specific moment that sparked the idea for Barrel and Bloom?
Tom: Absolutely. In 2022, after quitting my corporate job, I traveled to Cartagena, Colombia. While doing online marketing work at a local bar, I noticed a mixologist laughing and connecting with customers. That moment made me realize I wanted to pursue something meaningful and engaging. The seed for Barrel and Bloom was planted right then.
Interviewer: Let’s talk about the name—Barrel and Bloom. What’s the story behind it?
Tom: I’m a bit of a literary nerd and love alliterations. I also wanted a name that balanced masculine and feminine energy. Since I’m a big fan of whiskey and flowers, Barrel and Bloom felt perfect. It took me a week of brainstorming to land on it, but it was worth it.
Filling a Market Gap
Interviewer: How did you notice a gap in the market for quality mobile bar services?
Tom: During the wedding boom of 2021 and 2022, I attended several events and noticed bartenders weren’t engaging or pleasant. It baffled me—this was the most important day of someone’s life, and the service fell flat. That’s when I decided to create a bartending company that prioritizes joy and connection.
Interviewer: Did any personal experiences influence your decision?
Tom: Definitely. A friend shared a nightmare story about her wedding bartenders being rude and dismissive. That conversation confirmed Colorado needed a local bartending company that genuinely cares about its clients and their events.
Building the Brand and Team
Interviewer: Starting a business is never easy. What challenges did you face early on?
Tom: Finding the right bartenders was tough. I needed people who weren’t just skilled but also fun, engaging, and professional under pressure. It’s a rare mix.
Interviewer: How did you overcome that?
Tom: Luckily, I had friends in the service industry who fit the bill perfectly. They were hardworking and hilarious, which made them a great foundation for my team.
Interviewer: What sets Barrel and Bloom apart from other mobile bar services?
Tom: It’s all about the experience. My team and I connect with guests on a personal level, whether it’s cracking jokes, dancing, or creating custom menus. The attention to detail we bring to our events ensures every experience is unique.
Interviewer: How do you ensure each event feels special?
Tom: It starts with preparation. During our initial calls, we dive into the couple’s preferences, themes, and vision. From there, we offer a free tasting in Denver to fine-tune the menu. We aim to reflect each couple’s personality and culture in every cocktail we create.
Personalizing the Experience
Interviewer: You emphasize local ingredients and eco-friendly practices. What inspired that?
Tom: Sustainability is core to our brand. Celebrating in nature—like the Rockies—comes with a responsibility to protect it. We aim to reduce waste while offering a premium service.
Interviewer: What does a typical day look like when preparing for an event?
Tom: For a 100-person wedding, prep starts 6-8 hours before the event. We inventory bar equipment, check alcohol orders, and pick up fresh produce and ice. Once on-site, I check in with vendors, oversee setup, and ensure everything’s ready before passing out champagne.
Growing the Business
Interviewer: How do you see Barrel and Bloom evolving in the future?
Tom: I want us to be the largest wedding bartending service in Colorado while expanding into corporate and private events. Long-term, I’d love to bring our unique culture to cities like New York and Austin.
Interviewer: How do you plan to stay competitive while maintaining your personal touch?
Tom: It’s all about people—keeping both clients and staff excited and happy. If we focus on joy and connection, the business will thrive naturally.
Reflecting on the Journey
Interviewer: Looking back, what are you most proud of?
Tom: The heartfelt embraces and thanks from couples after their weddings. Knowing we made their day unforgettable means everything to me.
Interviewer: What advice would you give your younger self before starting this business?
Tom: Success doesn’t happen overnight—give yourself grace during setbacks. And always bring extra ice!
Contact Information
Interviewer: How can people book Barrel and Bloom for their events?
Tom: They can fill out the contact form on our website, barrelandbloomco.com, email us at hello@barrelandbloomco.com, or call (978) 888-5126.
Interviewer: Any final words for couples planning their weddings?
Tom: Let’s make your big day unforgettable. And keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook for new cocktail ideas and venue highlights. We’re here to bring your vision to life—one drink at a time!
Want to feature your own wedding business? Contact Engaged AF Magazine
