Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Woodham.
Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hello everyone! I am Michael, the owner of TapWagen Columbus, a Tap Truck and Event Rental Supply Company located in Columbus, GA.
I am 25 and a recent graduate of Columbus State University with an entrepreneurial business management degree. I have two beautiful women in my life who keep me motivated, my wife Kendall and my daughter Logan. Kendall is deaf and has always had trouble finding gainful employment, so I have been working hard to be the main provider for my family, all while being a full-time student.
I started working on this business plan in January. My goal is to pair my years of excellent customer service skills with my love of vintage vibes. I am accomplishing this by creating unique and memorable party rentals. The flagship of my business is my 1970 Volkswagen Bus that is outfitted with 4 beverage taps, Bluetooth speakers and led lighting. After a few months of vehicle rehab and custom building the tap system I was able to fully launch May 16th. With the help of my friends, family, and several local businesses I hosted my business launch party two days after graduating college.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. There are always trials and errors when it comes to introducing a new concept to the community. With that being said, I do have a lot of great supporters helping me along the way. In April, I was accepted into a business start-up course through StartUp Columbus. The program was paid in full for me, all I needed to do was show up and work hard. And that’s exactly what I did. I graduated from college on May 14th, launched my business on May 16th and graduated the StartUp program on May 19th. All my hard work and dedication over the last six months started to pay off.
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?
I started working in the restaurant industry when I was 16. Through my years in the service industry, I have won local awards, been blessed with scholarships, and created an invaluable network of supporters. I have taken that excellent customer service with my love of vintage vehicles and created TapWagen Columbus. My first vintage vehicle is a 1970 Volkswagen Bus. I now have a second vehicle that I am launching at the end of June. It is a 1966 Chevy Panel Truck, and it will also have four taps. My beverage taps can serve anything from draft beer, custom cocktails, mocktails or coffee.
With each TapWagen being outfitted with four taps, that gives guest options. I’m bringing the luxury of tapped beverages to any kind of party. I can drive up to any wedding, festival, private party, tailgate, or corporate event and serve drinks for 25 to up to a few thousand thirsty guests.
I’m not going to be done at just two TapWagens, i have plenty of other plans in the works… you will just have to follow me to keep up!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
A while back I had to shift my mind set to start focusing more on personal growth and development. In the past I have given so much of my mental bandwidth, creativity and energy to others that did nothing but take advantage of me with false promises. That shift in my mindset was the spark I needed.
My consistent hard-working mentality is a great characteristic that has carried me to where I am today. I truly don’t stop grinding. Each day I wake up with the goal to end it better than I started. This constant goal has snowballed into life changing achievements.
I have always been a highly motivated and solution-oriented person. I’m not the kind of person to overthink a process or waste time dwelling on the “what-ifs.” I tackle things head on and learn as I go. One thing I hold true to is, I never lose, I only learn. So, when I mess something up, or it doesn’t go as planned. I have only learned what needs to change to do better on the next round.
Above all, as a husband and father, taking care of my girls is really the biggest motivator. Every decision is calculated in my mind for the benefit of them first. Quality of life is the most important thing. They are my world, my meaning, and my purpose for being. They are the reason I know I am successful.
Thank you everyone for taking the time to get to know me! Now it’s time for me to get to know you! Let’s get social @TapWagenColumbus. We would love to make your next event something to remember!
Contact Info:
- Website: Tapwagencol.com
- Instagram: @tapwagencolumbus
- Facebook: @tapwagencolumbus
