A proud graduate of Appalachian State University, Kaye Bentley worked as a rural letter carrier for the US Postal Service for 38 years before founding Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours in 2018. She was inspired by the captivating views of Asheville from rooftops across the city. Those views, combined with a love of Asheville’s art deco architecture, lead her to craft a tour that combines stunning birds-eye-views of Asheville along with the history of the city, while enjoying food and drinks, all from Asheville’s highly acclaimed rooftop bars.
In 2020, the Carolina Small Business Development Fund recognized Kaye as the Entrepreneur of the Year for her work with Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours. Kaye also earned the 2019 Creativity in Business Award presented by the Western Women's Business Center. KNOW Asheville also named Kaye on their list "On the Rise…Women to Watch.” Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours has been named a top nationwide attraction by Trip Advisor for two consecutive years.
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A proud graduate of Appalachian State University, Kaye Bentley worked as a rural letter carrier for the US Postal Service for 38 years before founding Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours in 2018. She was inspired by the captivating views of Asheville from rooftops across the city. Those views, combined with a love of Asheville’s art deco architecture, lead her to craft a tour that combines stunning birds-eye-views of Asheville along with the history of the city, while enjoying food and drinks, all from Asheville’s highly acclaimed rooftop bars.
In 2020, the Carolina Small Business Development Fund recognized Kaye as the Entrepreneur of the Year for her work with Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours. Kaye also earned the 2019 Creativity in Business Award presented by the Western Women's Business Center. KNOW Asheville also named Kaye on their list "On the Rise…Women to Watch.” Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours has been named a top nationwide attraction by Trip Advisor for two consecutive years.
Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.
This is biz radio host Johanna Patrice Hagarty, I am the founder of JPH creative biz and art hero, a workforce development organization. My mission is to support and galvanize artists and creative entrepreneurs because art heals and connects. I believe that by activating creativity, we synthesize change. Come connect with me on Instagram at JPH creative biz. This is the Juliana Patrice Haggerty show where I invite the most innovative entrepreneurs, artists and creative business owners to share their experiences, processes, practical tips and inspirations. Today with me is Kaye Bentley. Kaye is a proud graduate of Appalachian State University. Kaye worked as a rural letter carrier for the US Postal Service for 38 years before founding Asheville rooftop bar tours in 2018. She was inspired by the captivating views of Asheville from rooftops across the city. Those views combined with the love of Asheville's Art Deco architecture led her to craft a tour that combines stunning bird's eye views of Asheville, along with the history of the city, while enjoying food and drinks all from Asheville is highly acclaimed rooftop bars. In 2020, the Carolinas Small Business Development Fund recognized Kaye as the Entrepreneur of the Year for her work with Asheville group top bar tours can also earn the 2019 creativity and Business Award presented by the Western Women's Business Center. KNOW Asheville also named Kaye on their list "On the rise Women to Watch." Asheville rooftop bar tours has been named a top nationwide attraction by TripAdvisor for two consecutive years. I brought Kaye on to talk about her evolution as a business owner. But first Kay, thank you for being here today.
Kaye Bentley:Thank you, Joanna, thank you so much for the opportunity.
Johanna Hagarty:Yeah, it's such a pleasure. And it's always so lovely. Seeing someone like yourself, who wants you really dove into the scene you really dove in. And so, you know, Matt, who's producing this show was really excited to have you on today. And it's just really been amazing watching your career, especially during this time of COVID. Right. So I would love to just kind of start before we really dive into Asheville rooftop bar tours, Let's wind the clock back and talk a little bit more about your career before you got into this. What about your experience before led you to where you are now with Asheville rooftop bar tours,
Kaye Bentley:I guess we could probably start with I do have a teaching degree from Appalachian State. And I've actually started working for the Postal Service, I took the test when I was 17 years old, I was in high school in Boone. And so when I was 18, I was able to get a part time job working as a substitute carrier while I was going to college. So um, you know, being in the mountains, this is where I'm from, western North Carolina. But you know, I've always had an interest in history, even though my degree is in physical education. And just kind of through the years, I was telling people that delivering mail I didn't, I wasn't really using my teaching degree. But now with the the company, you know, that I've created, it's like, there is a lot of teaching and education and sharing of stories in history. So I do feel like I am, you know, getting back to that degree that I did, you know, get years ago. But it's just for me, it's about the history and the views, obviously. And the way you can see that and tie those together. And, you know, being a mail carrier, I was used to dealing with the public a lot. So, you know, leading tours or guiding tours or being you know, in the community here is, is something that I'm familiar with and comfortable with.
Johanna Hagarty:I love that and you know what I had mentioned too when we first started is you have just been someone who's really dove fully in which isn't everyone, you know, my entrepreneurial journey was eight, nine years of sort of being a part time entrepreneur and before I really decided and so everybody's path is really different. But I love how you express some of these early passions and processes of yours and how they're able to really come back around now. So let's really dive into maybe from 2018 until now let what was that process of getting this business started, like let's wind that clock back a little and talk about that process because I know it ain't easy.
Kaye Bentley:Well, that's true, um, in 2018 it was actually the end of 2017. I live in Asheville. I had only been to two rooftop bars at that time, one was in May, and the other one was like in September. And when you see the city from the rooftops, it really changes your perspective of Asheville. A lot of people are very curious about the buildings that they're looking at, and the Art Deco buildings. And I was myself, even though living here, I thought I knew the names of some of them, but it wasn't really sure. And you know, that kind of thing. But they're just so beautiful. And you know, you see them every day. So I was sharing with a friend that I worked with, because I worked in a neighboring county, I was driving back and forth to Asheville, because I lived here. But anyway, I was talking to her and I told her, I said, um, you know, you shouldn't you should bring your husband to Asheville, and we'll just do like a rooftop bar tour. I've been to two of them. And it's amazing. And I honestly thought there were only like, two at the time. It's like I live here, if there were more than that, I would know. And I looked online, and I actually saw there were six rooftop bars at that time. And I'm like, how do I not know this, you know? And so anyway, as soon as I thought of that, it's like a rooftop bar tours, like, Ah, I wonder if anybody is doing that. Because it would be a tour that I would want to take. And I looked online, and Google did and no one was offering it. So I I'm not the one, you know, you have to realize that work for the same company for almost 40 years. I'm not going to say, Oh, this is an idea. I'm going to open a business. But it was just one of those ideas that honestly would not leave me alone. As soon as I thought of that. I was curious, why there wasn't anyone offering it. And then I was I just went down this huge, huge rabbit hole of, you know, how could someone do that? How many rooftop bars are there? How far away are they? And it's it's just, one thing led to another? And I found out that by the end of 2017, I had about three legal pads full of notes.
Johanna Hagarty:Hahaha, That's a true entrepreneur right there.
Kaye Bentley:Yeah. And but the other thing that we do on our tours, which sometimes surprises people, is we share some really amazing history. We do that by showing people photos of you know of Asheville, early years. And so we tie that history together where you can actually see it and feel it. And so anyway, I didn't tell anybody what I was doing. I knew that I was going to retire at some point from the Postal Service, but I thought that I would just volunteer and possibly travel. And this idea really just consumed me. And so a friend told me at the end of 2017, she said that I should go talk to the Western Women's Business Center. And so I did and in January of 2018, and that was really the first time that I sat down and talked with anyone specifically about what I was thinking about doing because I didn't want that information to get out. You know, yeah. And so they were instrumental in, you know, offering free business coaching, helping me get organized, I'll never forget my business coach. He said, So do you have a business plan? And I said, Well, I have all these legal pads for he started flipping through them. And he was like, Oh, you have a business plan. Just let me show you how to get it and shake. So So yeah, and I was able to get funding through Carolina Small Business Development Fund to get started money and get it started. And we had the website developed starting, like in April, and everything was really fast tracked. And I feel fortunate that there's a lot of entrepreneurial, I guess, avenues you can follow in Asheville, and I was trying to follow every single one I could get my hands on so. So yeah, we opened in July of 2018.
Johanna Hagarty:Wow. I mean, I just really for those people who are creatives who are idea people, right, Kay, you may have had this one idea that has really persistently attacked you which some people have, but others have hundreds of ideas. What I would love to just kind of reflect back from what I heard you saying is, there's this whole process of this research and development, and really analyzing and assessing, is this an idea worth investing in? Am I the person worth investing in this idea? And I think that that process that you were able to do with just the legal pads and your phone, I'm sure looking up research things and you know, that whole process really put you in the position to know what you wanted when you got there and not that you can show up at any of these agencies at any point a part of the process, but I just wanted to acknowledge how valuable that research and development and that part of you thinking about, Okay, can I be an entrepreneur? I've worked in one place forever. And you know, and really setting that mindset part of yourself up for success, and then being willing to just get up the mountain no matter what, because I'm sure through that process, yes, there were amazing resources, but there were also those hard moments and those can I do this and those what is SEO? And what is, you know, a lot of that learning curve that still hits you in that way, too.
Kaye Bentley:Yeah, it really does. You know, for me, you know, I'm kind of old school with a lot of stuff, technology, the whole nine yards. But one of the things that I, I definitely invested the time and doing was, you know, looking things up on the internet, I mean, I set up our, all of our, like, you know, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, it's like, how to set up a YouTube channel. And so I was doing all of that. And I thought, you know, if I mess it up, I'll just try to find someone to help me fix it. But so a lot of this is self taught. And, you know, it's kind of trial and error. And I was willing to put, you know, put that time into it. But it is, it's just, um, you know, I also thought when I started that, I was going to, you know, rent a van, and I was going to valet park it and, and then I realized that there isn't really a lot of valet parking downtown,
Johanna Hagarty:That's not a thing that exists much in Asheville. Exactly.
Kaye Bentley:And then it was like, Okay, well, I can't do that. So then I have to find someone, you know, to drive the van. And then I was informed that if, you know, if I had them on a regular schedule, and everything that they would have to be an employee, and then it was like, okay, so not a 1099. You know, it's like, I'm gonna have to have an employee now, there's insurance. And so there were a lot of curveballs in the beginning. And I was, you know, learning as I was going, but also had, you know, some people giving me good advice, you know, along the way.
Johanna Hagarty:Yeah. And I think, you know, one of the things that I know, you and I've talked a little bit about, I want to carve out a little bit of space for the the program you're in. But before we do that, I want to just really acknowledge that being self taught, you have to really trust your gut, right? So you can have lots of people and lots of opinions, but you have to really filter that in. So before we move on to sort of the later years and COVID, what, in the self taught process has worked for you? What would you as as sort of someone who wants to offer a little advice? What would you say,
Kaye Bentley:for me, it is it is trust your gut. I mean, it really is, um, you know, I would go more with my gut hunch, and then figure out if the numbers would work with that. And I know, that's probably not the best business model to have out there. But, you know, it's like, if I think of it, and if I think it's something that you know, that no one else is doing, then it's like, Okay, I will start there. And then I will figure out all the, how, and the why, and I'll know the why. But if, you know, the how, and, you know, figure out how to make it work. Yeah, um, you know, so...
Johanna Hagarty:I would say in a lot of ways, Kaye, that's that's much more the progressive model, that business is really being taught through right now. And I think that it's valuable for people to hear that that does have a lot of merit, people who really do hold really close to their vision and their values and the why, like you just mentioned, really tend to find a lot more success, even if they have to challenge themselves, you know, even if something didn't work that they thought might originally they're willing to keep going back to the drawing board because they fully understand that why in that mission. I agree. Well, I would love to at least spend a little bit of time you are taking this class, you're part of this cohort, the city of Asheville business inclusion office. It's the AVL pathways to grow program I kind of got dragged in even after you had get gotten a part of the class here. Just talk me through why you decided to take this class what this cohort is meaning to you and what you're finding so far,
Kaye Bentley:This has been a real eye opener for me, you know, I came from more of an education background. And so this is truly you know, business course stuff. And I don't think I would have been exposed to anything this this in depth and this valuable you know, unless I signed up for a class at a college or something like that, but this is amazing. I have learned so much it's like it's it's a lot of work, but every single time I've come away from there understanding a lot more about how business operates and how my business operates. Because, you know, all I know, in the beginning and all I've been doing, you know, for a while is just working hard, you know, making sure that, you know, we're, you know, putting out a good product and people are enjoying it. And you know, we're connected to the community and treating our employees fairly and but then beyond that, it's like, I understand, you know, more about projections and what that means and reading balance sheets, and, you know, just also different growth phases that businesses go through, and where do we land on that scale? I, it is just, I'm almost speechless, I get tongue tied when I'm trying to describe how incredible this this program is.
Johanna Hagarty:That's so exciting to hear, you know, Interise is the nonprofit they work have worked with the SBA, often, I think, for 30, some odd years. This particular program that we've called the ABL pathways to grow is there streetwise MBA program, and I was just kind of looking back a little bit more on it today, just you know, I'm constantly looking at the marketing side. And just is this program worth it for our clients here in Asheville, and I just your opinion of it, and what I keep seeing is just anybody who invests themselves in this program, and like you said, it's a lot of work, it's a lot of reading, it's a lot of showing up and having peer conversations being very open and vulnerable about what's working, what isn't working in your business, showing your numbers talking about, like you said, financial projections and goal setting. But the people who really show up and invest are seeing massive growth, 35% increase in businesses, billions of dollars in income that these these program participants are having all across the country. And it's just really amazing, because it's specifically focused on again, those of us like you and me, Kay, who were like, huh, am I a business owner? Not entirely? Sure. Let's figure this out. And now you're at this point that you want to sort of add that knowledge and that framework to it. And so what is maybe one of the things from the course, that you're immediately implementing? Or what are you taking from this course, that's really working right now, in your business, as you're moving and pivoting.
Kaye Bentley:One of the big things for me is realizing I've known it all along, and I hear people talk about it about, you know, working on your business, not in your business, and this has this program has really hit home for that it's like, you know, putting, you know, three to five hours, or whatever it is, you know, per week into working on it, instead of in it, it's, it's really made me step back and say, This is what I wanted to do, I just didn't have any idea when I could get there to that point. And that is really moved. That's a priority for me now, and making that commitment. And I am, you know, feeling a lot better about I'm just understanding my company a lot better. And, you know, understanding the numbers, but also, you know, realizing that the people that are in this cohort, we are so our businesses are all so different. And but yet we have, you know, the same challenges, and coming from a non business background. It's nice to be in, you know, in with that group of people, because, you know, we're all learning a lot from each other as well.
Johanna Hagarty:And sharing in those trials and tribulations and, and like you said, really having that ownership sense, which means I'm not the one who's producing every second of my service or creating every part of my product. Now, I'm managing a team, I'm working on my business, I'm projecting out gives you that autonomy. But what we're all finding in this class, what most of the clients I work with, when they get in that growth phase is, those stretch points, right, when you go from surviving to a success stage is exhausting. And there's a lot of pushing and moving and growth and processing and deciding day in and day out how you're getting to that stage. And that is overwhelming if you don't have business partners, if you only have staff if you don't have you know, people in your circle who understand that world. So that mentor section that peer to peer part of it just seems from what I've been able to see as the instructor is an invaluable part for you all.
Kaye Bentley:And I completely agree with you on that. I absolutely do.
Johanna Hagarty:I love it. I can't wait to see what comes of this class for you. We're I mean, we have several more months we meet every other week and it's over in September. Gosh, I even forget, we got we got some time to go maybe it's the summer time that it ends. I would love to hear a little bit before we have to wrap the show up today, what is coming up for Asheville rooftop bar tours, like what's new? What are you looking forward to what is 2022 Bringing for you all
Kaye Bentley:2022 for us is we're looking to add several more rooftops to our tours, we are also doing more community collaboration with partners. So there's going to be something, I'll just give you a little teaser, it's going to be coming out. At the end of this this week, it's going to be a partnership with a local business. So we're connecting more with community this year. And, you know, we're looking to add another vehicle to our fleet and several more employees. So, you know, we're seeing in the tourism industry, and especially here in Asheville, more people are wanting to travel now and feel safer doing it. So that's what we're planning for is the growth.
Johanna Hagarty:I love that. And I would just imagine too that, even though it's been really challenging with COVID I'm sure that part of your business being outdoor tourism has maybe made that a little more accessible for you. Is that, is that accurate?
Kaye Bentley:It has, I mean, we all were, you know, shut down in the beginning and right, you know, March of 2020. But, you know, coming back from that we, we were positioned in in a in a good position is possible, because, you know, we have smaller groups, we also are outdoors. So, um, you know, we didn't have a huge staff at that point. So, you know, it was, it was something that was definitely to our advantage. If you if you looked at it in that way.
Johanna Hagarty:Well, then again, that's that growth mindset that you have had from the get go that has allowed Asheville rooftop bar tours and yourself to thrive and be successful. So we have to wrap up for today. And I hate that. But before we go, can you let the listeners know how they can connect with you or take one of your tours or learn more about the business?
Kaye Bentley:Yeah, and you can visit our website at Ashevillerooftopbartours.com. We do year round tours every day, rain or shine. And you can also find us on all the social media platforms we're on Instagram, Facebook, you can see our reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp and Google and you can just type in our name and we'll usually pop up.
Johanna Hagarty:What's great. Okay, thanks again so much for being here today. And for just having such an amazing tourism history, local community driven business. It's really exciting to see you grow and thrive.
Kaye Bentley:Well, thank you so much. And I appreciate the opportunity to be here and love your show.
Johanna Hagarty:Oh, thanks. And as always, this is the Johanna Patrice Haggerty show where we share tips and tools of our community's most innovative entrepreneurs, artists and creative business owners. Thank you so much for tuning in. And please connect by visiting biz radio asheville.com or an Instagram at JPH creative biz. I would love to hear your show suggestions for any questions you may have. And as always, stay creative