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GoGo Party Bus: Keeping the Family Business Rolling
The GoGo Party Bus is a family owned event planning and transportation services company based in Atlanta. Because of the success the business has had since they opened five years ago, they are now in a position to offer franchise opportunities.
Franchising is a great alternative to starting your own business from scratch since it offers the opportunity to follow a proven and successful business model. We wanted to find out more about GoGo Party Bus so we had a chat with Founder, Lenesia Cooper. This is what she had to say:
SB: What inspired you to start GoGo Party bus?
LC: I love throwing parties and having celebrations. In addition to that, I’ve always wanted to start a business to help people celebrate milestones and joyous occasions.
I considered purchasing a location that would host events but the start up costs and operating costs were too much. The idea of having a party on wheels popped in mind and I decided to go with that.
SB: One challenge that small businesses have is raising capital. How did you raise the money needed to start your business?
LC: Raising capital was a challenge and still is. I initially started with savings, family investments, and credit cards. Now, since I have been operating for five years, credit is more readily available. We have better access to credit from our bank because we have the documented success, growth potential and profitability.
Team Family
SB: Many businesses fail within the first few years. You started five years ago and are expanding. What do you attribute your success to?
LC: I attribute my business success to the support of my husband and family. The support they have provided has been the backbone of our success.
My end goal to was protect the brand and be consistent in providing the best product, finding the best professional drivers and exemplary customer service also attribute to the success of GoGo Party Bus.
SB: Even successful business owners sometimes face challenges. What is challenge that you would say your business faces?
LC: Cash flow – when a major mechanical failure happens, you have to ensure you have the cash flow to get the vehicle repaired to get it back on the road. If the buses are not on the road making money halts to a stand still.
SB: You offer the opportunity to be a GoGo Party bus franchise owner. What are the requirements for and the benefits of this opportunity?
LC: Benefits Include:
Joining an exclusive Party Bus Transpiration Company
Possibility to earn up to $150K per year
Start up costs as low as $25K
Marketing, sales and reservation support
SB: Your company is a family owned business. What would you say are the great and maybe not so great things about working with family?
LC: Working with my family has been great! My family is very supportive and we work great as team to secure top notch operations of the all of our vehicles. The challenge is sometimes everyone can’t see the vision nor wanting to take the investment risks to take the business to the next level.
SB: Where do you see your company 5 years from now?
LC: In 5 years I see GoGo Party Bus as the most recognized name for party bus transportation nationality.
SB: What advice do you have for aspiring business owners?
LC: My advice would be to build strategic relationships and a support system. Strategic relationships can include vendors, marketing partners, or any industry related partners. Get to know how they operate, their mistakes and how they overcame it.
Having a support system is very important whether if its a family, friends or close colleagues. These folks will tell everyone about your business, assist with operations. They are essentially your champions for your business.
For more information about GoGo Party bus, visit their website.
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