This floating stick is probably unlike any you’ve seen before. Kate Herod, owner of Just Call Kate Mobile Libations, joined us today to share how she was able to turn a Piaggio Ape from 1982 into a fun new business.
1. Tell me about your experience and how you found yourself in this profession.
I am a graduate of Indiana University. She graduated in Hotel and Tourism Management, majoring in Ecotourism, Parks and Recreation. I have been working in some areas of service since the age of 14. I have worked in pizzerias, Hilton hotels, Marriott/White Lodging, and in an investment/hotel management firm as an Executive Assistant. Although I liked most aspects of each of these jobs, I was ready for something else but wasn’t sure what it was. During a summer 2020 handover, I found myself looking at old photos from my trip to Italy, a place I’d like to go back to. I found a picture of myself attached in San Gimignano, Italy, and my memories popped up. Conversations with a friend about how cool it would be to own a Biagio monkey and do “something” with him. Then I realized, “That’s something else for me.”
I started researching what the monkeys use now. Moving bars are spreading all over Europe and now this trend is already taking hold in the United States. I find that US homeowners have a variety of moving girders – from refurbished horse trailers to vintage dairy trucks. I started looking for Biagio’s monkey and never came back.
2. Tell me about your vehicle, where did it come from?
My 1982 Biagio Monkey has come a long way. I worked with a company that traveled from their location in Poland to the Campobasso region of Italy, loaded my baby in a trailer and went back to Poland to start the design/renovation process.
3. Prior to Mobile Libations, were you passionate about handcrafted beer or did business lead you to craft beer? What kind of beer do you like?
I love cold drinks, partying and having a great time more. So I would say that the mentality and feelings that led me to Mobile Libations. Now I can direct myself and enjoy my dream job with endless possibilities.
Yes! I thoroughly enjoy handcrafted beer, although my Budweiser palette is not picky! Every time I go to a new brewery, I like to fly in and let the bartender pick my favorites to try. I’ve always liked a Pilsner, a Brown Isle, or a Kolsch, but I’m willing to try any beer. However, Mobile Libations is available to serve any type of soft drink – from beer, wine and Prosecco to cold beer, handcrafted cocktails, or simply lemonade!
4. What events do you like to do and have you done so? What do you offer to your customers?
I’m still getting started. My scooter arrived in the state in May, and the next day I threw an El Gato mom’s birthday party from Centerpoint Brewing on tap. It was delicious and cold. He was in a hurry to deal with the first party. I’m for rent from September 2021 so bring your parties with you!
I am happy to be a part of any elegant party that requires a cold brew. Weddings of any style, funerals/celebrations, backyard parties, anniversaries, physical evenings, bachelor parties, bridal and bridal showers, corporate events, beer festivals – the list can go on for days!
I’m a bar cart for rent. This means that you have hired me to organize your event using the Mobile Libations scooter and the alcohol you have purchased. I offer a barrel format for clients who aren’t sure what style of drink they want – I can suggest, I can pick up the barrels before the party and return the barrel after the party. I don’t sell alcohol
I offer a beautiful bartender experience on one level above a simple bartender and a jockey keg with a set table.
Just Call Kate also offers home and business organization services. I created Just Call Kate to order cleaning services – pantry, kids areas, clothes and wardrobes, garages, desks, attics – you organized everything you want. I grew up in a big family with a smaller footprint, and organizing from an early age made it easy for me. I have always been patient and searched for the right place for each item. Spaces are sometimes hard for people to understand, and it’s a privilege for me that my clients allow me into their intimate spaces to help with this transformative process of taking back control. I love the feeling of stepping into an irresistible space and creating the peace this space deserves. The expression on the customer’s face upon returning to this space gives me all the feeling!
For more information, please visit the website:
Instagram: justcallkateherrod
Facebook: justcallkateherrod
