We had the good fortune of connecting with Jocelyn Gentry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jocelyn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Tap Truck Fort Collins for many reasons, but mainly because I wanted to have more autonomy over how I spent my time and energy. As someone who has worked consistently since age 16 (more like 11 if you count working for your parents on a guest ranch!) I have learned that I like to decide how to spend my time, money and energy. My dad was a consistent advocate for entrepreneurship and deep down I knew that one day I would want to have my own shot at it, but it was only a matter of finding the right time and business venture. Years of service industry experience helped me to develop a grasp on how to make people feel special and seen at their time in a restaurant setting. Roughly 4 years of non-profit experience helped me understand the dedication it takes to create something beautiful that you believe in. A belief that I feel strongly about is that people deserve to be celebrated in their big moments and small ones and one way to do that is through excellent beverage service. With savings and the support of my husband I launched Tap Truck Fort Collins in March of 2022. It has already been a roller coaster, but I am excited to be growing each day into a better business owner.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a brand new business owner, I can already say that entrepreneurship is NOT easy or for the faint of heart, but it is so rewarding. I’ve flat out cried so many times in my car when I am faced with business challenges, but I have also cried tears of joy when I am driving up the mountains because I feel so lucky that I get to serve at the wedding of two amazing people. I’ve gotten to meet people that recognize my business from social media marketing and it is so exciting to know that your marketing is starting to work and your business is being seen by the public!

One aspect of running a business that I like is having the ability to know exactly where your funds are going towards. Not only was I looking for autonomy of time in starting a business, but I also wanted to know where the funds I receive are going. It is in our highest interest to make sure to give back to the community in which we operate in, so we have committed to donating a portion each year to local causes that we are excited about. This year we have donated to the Imagination Library and the Female Athlete Network. We want to do good socially and environmentally, so we try to be as green as possible in how we operate our truck and services (ie. reusable glassware, recycling, driving less, biking more, etc.).

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being the outdoor enthusiast that I am I would likely pack the itinerary with outdoor entertainment. We could start with a hike (or mtn bike if we are feeling feisty) at Coyote Ridge or up the Poudre in the morning. The city of Fort Collins is so close to so many awesome trails, which is one of my favorite parts and what drew me back here. We could spend the afternoon at Horsetooth with the kayak. Next, we would definitely have to do a little brewery hopping to Zwei, and New Belgium, or Stodgy where the staff are always the best.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are too many people to count for all the support I have had in my youth and early adult life, but I would say primarily my family.

My husband, Danny, has been a great partner in the ways that he pushed me to start the business and helped in an array of ways. He has supported me by being a very hard worker himself in his career of bar-tending, which I get to reap the benefits of at home and in the business of mobile bar-tending.

My mom, who has since passed, supported me in my dreams at a very young age. She was always telling us to “get the goodie out of life” and for me that means taking chances and choosing joy day-to-day in work, relationships, hobbies and the mundane. My dad is a big reason for my entrepreneurship interest, so I have to give him credit for that along with my love for the outdoors.

I also am blessed with such supportive sisters, extended family, my husbands family and some of the best friends in the world.

Work wise, I was lucky enough to be mentored by Ruthe Rosen, founder of the Let It Be Foundation and Allie Browning, Director of Metro Southwest YoungLife. They taught me a lot about the many hats of non-profit work and helped me gain confidence in myself as a young professional.

Website: https://taptruckfortcollins.com/

Instagram: @taptruckfortcollins

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-gentry-0b4640123/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Taptruckfortcollins

Youtube: Tap Truck Fort Collins

Other: The Knot: Tap Truck Fort Collins https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/tap-truck-fort-collins-fort-collins-co-2058347

Image Credits
Lauren Anderson Wild’n Lo Photography Ryan Waneka Ryan Waneka Photography

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