Conversations with the Inspiring Jaime Keene and Genesis Velarde

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaime Keene and Genesis Velarde from The Wagon Company.

Jaime and Genesis, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Jaime spent her young adult years living in Santa Barbara. The lifelong friendships built with the scenic Central Coast vineyards and urban tasting rooms as a backdrop made a permanent impression. Now, with over ten years of events experience under her belt, it finally made sense to merge her two worlds.

Genesis is a true entertainer and an accomplished marketer. He is never one to shy away from making people feel connected, so partnering together to create a business focused on human connection and experience came naturally.

Prior to The Wagon Co. coming to fruition, we had probably bounced 30+ ideas off one another. Nothing felt quite right until we finally just followed our hearts. It may sound cliche, but when you allow yourself to listen carefully to the subtext of your past experiences and passions, they will inform your next move.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
With any new business in this industry, there will always be hurdles. I think it’s safe to say the hurdles we’re facing now are much different than originally anticipated. Launching an event-centric business amidst a global pandemic has been challenging, to say the least. Our heart goes out to everyone affected, and to anyone who has had to postpone or cancel their once-in-a-lifetime events.

We have found (and continue to find) that every challenge presented is a lesson that no textbook or course could ever teach you. It’s those lessons on understanding the laws surrounding the business, to the everyday admin struggles on what processes will help to keep things streamlined, while remaining sensitive and empathetic when the hopefulness of humanity remains quiet. We at the end of the day, stay true to the heart of our business, and that is to provide a memorable experience. We will continue to put our best foot forward and uplift the community, being part of the rebuilding when that time comes.

If I could impart any wisdom on other entrepreneurs just starting out on their journey, it would be to have a clear vision but be ready to adapt. There will be obstacles that you’ll uncover along the way, but don’t let those deter you from moving forward toward your goals.

What should we know about The Wagon Company? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Wagon Co. is a beverage service experience provider that offers a vintage tap wagon for special events. There are not many mid-century trailers that have been restored for the sophisticated, modern, and chic Southern Californian special event host. It’s an elevated experience that we are able to bring to our guests.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
We both grew up in military families with each of their fathers in the Navy and strong mothers with careers in nursing and life sciences. While I don’t think either of us realized it as children, it’s easy to see now that having that strong influence of dedication, sacrifice and determination has played a major role in instilling those same values in us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thewagonco.com/
• Email: hello@thewagonco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.wagon.co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWagonCompany/