Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Cook.
Hi Kendra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved bartending — it started back in my college days when I worked evenings behind the bar. Over time, I built connections with customers who began asking me to bartend their weddings and private events. At one of those weddings, the hosts had set up a camper for me to serve from, and I absolutely loved the concept. That experience sparked the idea of creating my own mobile bar business.
I was initially hesitant to take the plunge and make such a big investment, but with my husband’s encouragement, I finally decided to go for it. In November 2023, we reached out to a contractor to build our first mobile bar trailer, which we picked up in January 2024. Our very first event was a local Ducks Unlimited fundraiser — and from there, things really took off.
Since that debut, our business has grown quickly. We’ve added three portable bars in addition to our trailer and are now shopping for another trailer to expand our fleet. This year alone, we’ve been a part of over 60 events, including weddings, birthdays, graduations, engagements, retirements, and holiday parties. It’s been an incredible journey turning something I’ve always loved into a thriving business that helps people celebrate life’s biggest moments.
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?
Like any new business, it definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. After our first event, we went nearly two months without another booking. I started to worry that we had invested so much into something that might not take off. But I kept promoting the business and saying yes to every opportunity that came our way, and things slowly started to build momentum — we ended up doing 21 events in our first year.
Another early challenge was figuring out storage for our mobile bar trailer. At first, we didn’t have a proper place to keep it out of the weather, so we had to hand-push and maneuver it into our pole barn kitchen. It was a lot of work and made the kitchen almost unusable until we finally had a dedicated storage unit built.
Now, we’re facing a new challenge — a good one to have! Demand has grown so much that more people want the trailer for their events than our current setup can accommodate. We’re now looking to add a second trailer to help meet that demand and continue growing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Our mobile bar business provides customized bartending services for all types of events — from weddings and graduations to birthdays, retirements, and corporate celebrations. We specialize in creating a fun, stress-free bar experience that fits seamlessly with each event’s theme and atmosphere. Whether it’s our signature trailer or one of our portable bars, our goal is always the same: to provide great drinks, friendly service, and a memorable experience for guests.
What really sets us apart is the personal touch, versatility, and work ethic behind everything we do. I’ve built this business from the ground up with a “never stop” attitude — always looking for ways to improve, grow, and go the extra mile for our clients. I’m a firm believer that hard work pays off, and that dedication shows in how we run each event and how we care for every customer. I’m most proud of how far we’ve come in such a short time and of the reputation we’ve earned through repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals.
Outside of bartending, our family is very involved in showing cattle around the state of Ohio. We participate in the Southern Ohio Showdown Series, the Ohio State Fair, the Pickaway County Fair, and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association BEST Program. Agriculture and community are a big part of who we are, and they’ve taught us the value of commitment, consistency, and hard work — qualities that carry over into everything we do with the mobile bar business.
We’re also in the exciting final stages of starting an event center on our property. The space used to be an Amish accent furniture store, and we’re transforming it into an agritourism event venue where people can host birthdays, graduations, family gatherings, and more. It’s an extension of what we already love doing — helping people create special memories through meaningful celebrations.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I can’t really offer advice on finding a mentor because we never had one to lean on when starting out — we learned through experience, trial, and error. What I can say is that networking is absolutely essential. Building relationships with people everywhere you go makes a huge difference. Connecting with local businesses, venues, caterers, DJs, and event planners not only helps get your name out there but also builds a strong community of support around your business.
When I was first considering the idea of starting our mobile bar, there was a local couple who was also in the early stages of launching their own business. We met and talked often, sharing ideas, bouncing logos and branding concepts off each other, and even getting ideas for pricing packages. That partnership was incredibly valuable, and to this day, we still meet up and text about new ideas and ways to grow. Their business, Business of Bounce, has continued to be one of our biggest supporters — and that’s a perfect example of how powerful genuine networking and mutual support can be.
Another key part of networking that’s often overlooked is social media. Staying active and engaged online is one of the best ways to reach new people and stay connected with past clients. Consistent posting by our niece on the social media, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and celebrating events we’ve been a part of not only keeps our business visible but also builds trust and familiarity with our audience. Social media has played a huge role in our growth and continues to be one of the most effective tools for connecting with customers and other local businesses.
Pricing:
- All-Inclusive Formal Package – $600 (up to 200 guests): 4-hour full-service bar with two TIPS-certified bartenders, setup/tear down, custom menu, three garnishments, mixers, juices, ice, cups, napkins, straws, menu planning, and insurance.
- Premier All-Inclusive Formal Package – $800 (over 200 guests) offers the same as the All-Inclusive Formal Package but for bigger parties.
- Informal Events – $100/hour: Hourly bar service for small gatherings with TIPS-certified bartenders, three garnishments, mixers, juices, ice, cups, napkins, straws, and insurance.
- Extra Hours of Service: Extend your event with additional bartending time — $100/hour for events up to 200 guests and $150/hour for events over 200 guests. Our team ensures seamless, stress-free service, giving you flexibility to tailor your celebration exactly as you envision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dryrunmobilesips.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554906300585
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dry.run.mobile.sips
