Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen McAllister.
Stephen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, my parents fostered and encouraged me to pursue my dreams and passions. Throughout my early childhood, I had an entrepreneurial spirit. I started several backyard businesses where I developed a love for the independence and freedom of being my own boss. Following college, I became a midlevel manager for a growing company. Within a few years I was not happy with the home-to-work routine. This was not my dream or what I wanted to pursue as my career. It was during this time that I began buying rental properties. With a leap of faith in 2005, I jumped out on my own and started a real estate company. The focus was rental homes and flipping houses. Fast forward to a Sunday afternoon in 2013, I was sitting with close friends discussing our goals and dreams. Their dream was to open a coffee shop/restaurant. I remember commenting on the time demands of this type of venture. We then began discussing catering. This seemed like a good fit for them. They could choose to be as busy as they wanted, but would not be confined to a set schedule. I lightheartedly said, “I should buy a wedding venue and you all can cater”. Owning a wedding venue was never on my radar, but six months after our conversation, this rare gem became available. The Inn at Oak Lawn Farms, was established in 1827. The estate basically resided in two families from the beginning. I instantly fell in love with the property, the history, and the possibilities that surrounded this opportunity. I wasn’t sure how this new venture was going to come to fruition, but with prayer and encouragement from my mother, I stepped out on faith. With each startup there are anxious times. You never fully know where the path will lead, yet there is the excitement and a thrill in the journey. I continue to remind myself to be flexible and open to new ideas. We are now in the middle of our fourth year and the initial enhancements are complete. During the four years, we added additional patio space, an outdoor fireplace and sitting area, new landscaping, an additional room to the bridal suite, restored an 1860 cottage house for the grooms, and added a four rail horse fence. During this time I married my wife LeeAnne, who has provided constant support and encouragement. One of the things I have enjoyed most is meeting people from all over the world. We have had events with people from Europe, South and Central America, Canada, and all across the U.S. Pleasure is found in providing “southern hospitality” to those who have possibly never experienced it.
Great, 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?
As there are struggles in any business, we quickly learned owning the venue and the event itself are not independent of each other. If you wanted to bring in your own coordinator, caterer, and decorator, we had very few restrictions. We left you and your vendors in charge of the event; we created and maintained the backdrop. It did not take long to realize not all third party vendors or hosts shared our vision. Our goal was to provide a “customer first approach” and to serve not only the bride and groom but the guests as well. We wanted our host and their guests to enjoy their time spent here and walk away with lasting memories. There is a constant struggle to remain flexible, while achieving a high level of customer service. In order to achieve this we have added an on-site coordinator who works closely with all vendors and customers to make sure all the details and expectations are met.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Inn at Oak Lawn Farms – what should we know?
“A place of history, elegance, and distinction for weddings and private parties” The Inn at Oak Lawn Farms has been a celebrated fixture in the quaint city of Carrollton, GA since well before the War Between the States. The Inn’s rich character was spared in the latter days of the Civil War. As General Sherman’s troops entered into western Georgia, history records that he burned numerous buildings in downtown Carrollton. His troops then made their way to The Inn at Oak Lawn Farms on Rome Street and made it a headquarters of sorts. In exchange for some horses and cattle, the Inn was spared destruction.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Our main focus now is to continue working on the actual events, additional services for our customers, and continue building relationships with third party vendors who share our vision. We are currently looking into possibilities of additional climate controlled event space on the property.
We have also realized in this business the vast difference in budgets for weddings and other events. There will always be more expensive and cheaper venues. Our focus is to provide value while never compromising on the service. We provide all the bells and whistles of the expensive venues, but can provide a more intimate and personal experience.
Pricing:
- Peak season Saturday event space rents between $4000 and $5500.
- Peak season Friday & Sunday event space rents between $3000 to $4500
- Private party pricing begins at $200.00 per hour
- Standard rental include tables, chairs, linens, coordinator, groom’s house, bridal suites, high peak tents, and warming kitchen
Contact Info:
- Address: 1141 Rome Street Carrollton, Georgia 30117
- Website: www.theinnatoaklawnfarms.com
- Phone: 770-214-1007
- Email: oaklawninfo@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinnatoaklawnfarms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheInnAtOakLawnFarms/
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