Exploring Life & Business with Lily Mack of Taptender

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Mack.

Hi Lily, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was just 17, I got my start in the world of food and beverage, working for a local catering company. Even back then, I felt like I was less about “work” and more about genuine human connection—it just felt social. Fast forward to college, and no matter what new job I tried, I kept coming back to serving and bartending. It was where I naturally shined. I spent most of those college years behind the stick, constantly earning compliments on my energy, my work ethic, and my smile.
After graduation, the dream job in my field just wasn’t materializing, so I stuck with what I knew. I took a pause to have my daughter, and when I jumped back into the industry, everything came back to me, naturally.

The $10,000 Turning Point
One night, while working a shift, I met an incredible customer. We got to chatting, and I mentioned my other passion: working for a non-profit, assisting the underserved population. I wasn’t asking for anything, but moments later, he offered the non-profit I worked for a mind-blowing $10,000 donation. I was in shock. When I asked why, he simply said I sounded so passionate and confident in what I did.
That moment was the spark. If my energy and confidence were powerful enough to inspire that kind of generosity for someone else’s business, why was I limiting myself to just bartending for other companies? A giant lightbulb went off: I needed to take this passion and build it for myself.
That’s when TapTender was born.

Swipe. Sip. Celebrate.
I had the passion; now I needed the efficiency and a smart business model. I wanted to sell people on the idea of convenience and affordability. My research showed that families and individuals were spending a fortune to host celebrations at major event centers. The cost was crazy!
My mission became clear: I wanted to bring the high-quality, reliable, educated bartender directly to the people. This is where the slogan and the integration of technology comes in:

• Swipe (The Tech): We use technology to help you quickly find a reliable and educated bartender. No more phone tag or guesswork!

• Sip (The Ease): Now you can relax, be a guest at your own party, and actually enjoy the moment.

• Celebrate (The Result): Enjoy the people you love most, stress-free.

Scaling the Idea
To ensure I was building a sustainable, modern business, I actively participated in small business tech accelerators and pitch contests, honing my model and proving the concept.

Since launching, TapTender hasn’t just been a local idea, it’s been a solution for people all over Ohio and even neighboring states, with bookings in Columbus, Cleveland, Sandusky (at places like the Harley Davidson dealership), and even Pennsylvania. We’ve hosted countless high-energy tailgating events, helped staff over 50 temp positions for local businesses, and are the trusted partner for families who love to host in the comfort of their homes.
The ultimate goal of TapTender is to provide seamless convenience by using smart technology to connect you with the perfect professional. You bring the people, we bring the pour. Swipe. Sip. Celebrate.

What’s the next city you think TapTender should tap into?

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?
Let’s be real, the road has been anything but smooth. It’s been a massive learning curve. When you’re bringing a new idea to an area, there’s always an education process. TapTender was a fresh concept for my town, and I spent a lot of time wrestling with the basics: figuring out the right way to explain exactly what we do without confusing people, and constantly having to readjust my pricing to find that sweet spot of value and profitability.

The biggest challenge, though, has been finding my footing in the tech space. Emerging in that world takes capital. I’ve thrown myself into business accelerators and pitch competitions, which has been amazing for growth, but it’s also been a massive confidence check. There have absolutely been times when I sat in those rooms and felt like my idea wasn’t “serious” enough. I’d be pitching an app to make house parties easier while the person next to me was developing tech to save lives!
It’s easy to get intimidated, but I realized something important: TapTender isn’t just about drinks; it’s about time and connection. I’m not just encouraging house parties; I’m selling people the gift of being a guest at their own event.

That shift in perspective and knowing that convenience and celebration are serious needs, is what keeps me going. The struggles haven’t stopped me; they’ve just refined me pitch and made me a better business owner.

We’ve been impressed with Taptender , 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?
What I Do and What Sets Me Apart
I specialize in two things: Mobile Event Bartending and Staffing Solutions.

1. For the Host: I bring the complete, insured, and professional bar experience directly to your party. My goal is to take the stress of the bar, the shopping, the setup, the serving, the breakdown; completely off your plate. I am known for my high-energy, educated, and reliable staff, and my ability to seamlessly blend into any event. What truly sets me apart is the tech-forward approach woven into my core mission: I use my system to expertly match you with the perfect professional for your party. It’s quality assurance, simplified.

2. For the Industry: TapTender is a trusted partner for businesses across Ohio, helping staff their events and venues quickly and professionally. I’ve successfully filled over 50 temp bartending positions for local businesses, ensuring they have the skilled help they need, when they need it.

My Brand Pride and Community Commitment
I’m most proud that TapTender has proven that genuine passion and smart business strategy can live under the same roof. My brand is all about empowering people and empowering my customers to celebrate their own lives without the hassle, and empowering my bartenders with great opportunities.

My commitment extends beyond events. I am dedicated to giving back to the community that supports me. I am proud to have supported the Aultman Women’s Board with donations, coupons, and merchandise. Their tireless mission is to render services to Aultman Hospital in the areas of community relations and fundraising. I’ve also been thrilled to sponsor lunches for the girls of She Elevates during their think tank sessions, helping fuel the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders. Giving back is simply part of my DNA.

What I Want You to Know
If you take one thing away from my story, it’s this: TapTender is here to transform the way you entertain. Stop limiting your celebrations to expensive venues. Host the event you always dreamed of in the comfort of your own home, knowing you have a reliable, high-quality professional ready to pour.

I promise the best service in Ohio and beyond. All you have to remember is my mantra: Swipe. Sip. Celebrate. I’ll handle the rest.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Where do I see my industry going? Over the next 5 to 10 years, the mobile bartending and event staffing industry will experience a massive, high-tech evolution driven by three key factors: Hyper-Customization, Technology, and Education.
Big Shifts and Changes I’m Watching:

1. The Experience Economy: It’s no longer enough to just pour drinks. Consumers; especially Millennials and Gen Z, want an experience. This means a huge shift toward experiential mixology, where the bar itself is a focal point of entertainment. I see a massive rise in demand for low-and-no-alcohol options (mocktails are becoming as complex as cocktails!) and highly personalized menus that reflect health-conscious trends and unique themes.

2. Sustainability: The pressure for zero-waste events will only grow. This means TapTender must prioritize sustainable practices, from using reusable equipment to promoting ingredients that minimize waste.

3. The Democratization of Mixology: The post-pandemic boom in home entertaining is here to stay. People want the skills to impress their own guests. This is precisely why I am planning to expand my services to include mixology classes, allowing people to host their own upscale experiences.
My Tech-Forward Vision: The TapTender App

The biggest shift for TapTender is doubling down on the technology that is already my differentiator. Right now, I use my current systems to provide convenience, but I see a future where TapTender is entirely powered by a seamless, dedicated app.
My goal is to create a true self-serve, AI-driven platform that acts as the ultimate connector:
• For the Host: You would use the app to select the event date, guest count, and even the flavor profile (e.g., “Tiki” or “Craft Cocktail”). The app would instantly quote the price, match you with an insured, vetted bartender in the area, and allow for effortless, contactless payment—all with a swipe!
• For the Bartender: The app would streamline scheduling, contracts, and payment, essentially acting as an automated back-office manager, allowing them to focus entirely on service.
This commitment to tech is how I will scale TapTender from a trusted Ohio brand to a national leader in event staffing.

And with the new mixology classes, I’m not just offering a service; I’m offering a skill. I want to teach people how to craft the perfect cocktail and create those memorable experiences in their own homes. TapTender is about elevating hospitality, whether I’m behind the bar or teaching you to be.
Finally, I believe in empowering people through hosting. This is why I wrote my book, “TapTender’s Luxury Brunch on a Budget” a stylish guide that teaches anyone how to create a high-end, elegant event vibe, complete with drinks, décor tips, and a shopping list, without breaking the bank. I intend to write more to share my business journey and lessons learned.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://taptender.b12sites.com/