Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Pick.
Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2019, my two brothers, Willam and Dave, and myself decided we wanted to develop our parents’ farm into a business that would allow our families to continue to enjoy the beautiful country property. My mother passed in 2019 and was wholey supportive of the idea of a wedding venue. We developed sketches into architect plans and worked with local craftsman (80% Amish) under our direction as general contractors. My mother saw the initial plans, but passed away before we completed the property. We built a 54ft tall 200 person capacity white wedding venue in a style that could be a clean palette for any client to decorate the wedding of their dreams. In addition, we renovated outer buildings, the main farm house and a property across the street into supporting preparation suites and lodging, making the whole site a stunning black and white farmhouse showpiece, complete with white fencing everywhere. But the property’s greatest advantage is the outdoor beauty for photographs. Through this business, our clients and our family get to enjoy acres of beauty with landscaped porches, patios, entertainment spaces, firepits, etc. My brothers and I have split up the management of the property with David leading on the farm management, William being lead on construction, maintenance, local issues and Sarah (me) as the lead on remote business process owner, finances, and payroll. Every year our families (2024 had over 40 people in attendance) descend and we reap the benefits of a special entertainment venue.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We had many of the challenges of a typical start-up, but all-in-all the construction process was relatively smooth and on time. COVID-19 was a huge wrench in our works. We had two test weddings in the fall of 2019 when our facility was 90% complete. But in 2020 our booked weddings turned into many cancellations early in the chaos, but then many new bookings from other facilities that went under. While we recovered enough business to not be devastating, we did not have the financials expected because of the COVID-19 mitigation costs. Additionally, all the support programs for small businesses used tools that compared 2020 financials to 2019 actuals and we weren’t open in 2019. So having put such an investment on the line, then having your opening year be COVID-19 infected, there was little support for start ups like us who had even more to risk than existing businesses who were not fresh off major investments.
We’ve been impressed with The Barn At Hart’s Grove, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Barn At Hart’s Grove is a family run wedding Venue that can deliver a rustic, yet elegant wedding for up to 200 guests. Our three season chapel can completely open up to have an outdoor, but covered ceremony adjacent to a lake, forest and pasture lands. The 54′ tall matching colonial themed barn is trimmed inside with pine and completed with stained concrete floors, chandeliers, and beautiful lighting. A lovely covered porch off the back provides a nice ‘transition’ space after the ceremony. The patio at the side of the building provides a great outdoor entertaining space with bistro lighting and a fire pit to add to the ambience. The result is an elegant space where your decorations can be customized for a clients’ dream wedding. There is a Bridal Guest House for bridal party preparations and also a Groomsmen Apartment for the groom’s party preparations. A renovated family house on site is perfect for overnight lodging and rehearsal dinners. The main farm house and Maple Brook house across the street can also be booked for much of the wedding party. Over 45 people can stay on site, making it a wonderful location for families looking for a relaxing weekend wedding. Most importantly, the property is truly spectacular for photography; with the colonial theme througout, landscaping, lake, gazebo, patios, developed forest and plants, there are countless locations for beautiful event photographs.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
All three of us owners (Bill, Dave and Sarah) have been involved in mentorship at one point in our careers. We have also tried new things, like this family wedding venue start up with limited experience in many areas of the project. We knew very little about the business procedures, the physical flow and capital requirements of an exceptional venue,. What we did very well was talk to people who knew more than us, making sure they were not competing directly with us. We found people who could tell us what they did wrong and right and how they would do things differently if given a clean slate. They shared contracts, forms, flow ideas and definitely told us their horror stories. What we would emphasize after our experience, it that is is imperative to admit to what you don’t know and ask humbly of others to guide you. You need to seek mentorship and then you definitely need to pay it forward. For example, through this process I have learned so much about social media and business processes that I have shared with local business owners around me. I have also sat with a new wedding venue owner in 2023 and talked about all the same things that I asked years before. I also mentor at-risk kids in the chamber LEAD program in my town and work with them to develop future career plans.
Pricing:
- Available on website. Details by request. We have a pricing document. If you email me, I can share.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebarnathartsgrove.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarnathartsgrove/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebarnathartsgrove
