Meet Haden Davis

We had the good fortune of connecting with Haden Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haden, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In today’s world, we see most of our peers take a very traditional approach to life. We are taught from a young age to do the right things, make good grades, get into a good college, study hard there, make more good grades, graduate, and then get a good job to start your career and life. While this has proven to be a successful tactic for many people, it is not the only option. There are many ways to be successful in life and financially.

After I graduated college, I was presented with two choices. I could either continue to apply for jobs that would be a good start to a long and permanent career, or I could try my luck with starting my own business. It was hard to decide, but I knew it would only get harder over time to go all in with my plans. After months of putting things off, I finally went all in on my transportation business in Athens, Georgia. I had worked for a transportation company throughout college and had learned a lot about the industry. I wanted to bring that experience to my new city and introduce a new type of fun for the people of Athens and the surrounding areas.

It may be untraditional for a young person to start their career with their own business, but I think it is the best time to try and challenge yourself. Life only gets busier with more responsibilities. My mentality is to have no regrets and to tackle challenges while I still can. So, Athens Wine and Brew Tours was created in August 2023. A year later, we are still providing top-notch group transportation services and our famous wine tours to North Georgia wine country!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Athens Wine and Brew Tours is a transportation service that specializes in wine and brew tours. Our tours are so much fun and a great way to celebrate any occasion. We have created an experience that is completely stress-free, allowing you to relax and enjoy the day. I believe we are different because we are a small, locally-owned company, allowing us to really focus on attention to detail. Each group is unique, so we work closely with them to create a day tailored just for them. For our wine tours, we develop the perfect itinerary by asking personal questions to understand each group’s preferences.

Our commitment to exceptional service and creating memorable experiences sets us apart. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply a day out with friends, we ensure your experience is one of a kind. Safety and entertainment are our top priorities, and we strive to make every tour unforgettable.

I got to where I am by taking risks and being detail-oriented. Starting a business and building a brand takes time, and there are lots of ups and downs. I still have a long way to go, and I know there will be more bumps in the road. But, I believe in taking one step at a time. With each step, I am dedicated to improving our services and growing Athens Wine and Brew Tours into the premier choice for all group transportation needs.

If there is anything I would like the world to know about Athens Wine and Brew Tours, it is that we are a transportation service dedicated to making your day better. Whether it’s a wine tour from Atlanta, getting to and from a UGA game, or attending a wedding, we will ensure you are entertained and safe. Our commitment to exceptional service and customer satisfaction sets us apart. My story still has a long way to go, but I will always have a passion for helping others and being dedicated to my work. I look forward to many more years of providing memorable experiences for our clients.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Athens, Georgia, is one of the oldest and most vibrant college towns in the nation, known for its rich history, college football scene, and southern hospitality. Ideally, I would want my friend to visit for a long weekend when the Georgia Bulldogs play another big SEC team at home. The city is always so crowded and has an insanely fun energy on game days.

On Friday, we would kick off the weekend with Athens Wine and Brew Tours for a local brewery tour. This tour would be a fantastic way to explore Athens and try the best craft beers in the region. We would start with lunch at Akademia Brewery, then visit Creature Comforts Brewery, and finish at the famous Terrapin Beer Company.

For dinner, we would head to downtown Athens and dine at one of my favorite restaurants, DePalma’s Italian Cafe. Afterward, we would get ready for tomorrow.

You can’t beat Athens on a game day. We would tailgate with friends and family then head to the stadium to watch the Dawgs play. If you have never seen Georgia play between the hedges, then you need to. It is an environment like no other. We’d enjoy the game and the rest of that day.

The next day, we would have a relaxing experience on Athens Wine and Brew Tours’ Sunday wine tour. This would be a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the end of a great weekend. We would visit some of my favorite wineries in the North Georgia region, including Yonah Mountain Vineyards, The Cottage Winery and Vineyards, and Kaya Vineyards. Wine tastings and enjoying the views would be the perfect end to a great weekend.

This itinerary would make for an extremely fun weekend with a friend and a great time catching up, enjoying the best of what Athens has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have had numerous family members, friends, and teammates who have pushed and motivated me to get to where I am today. My parents were among my biggest supporters. They have always been there for me while I was growing up, constantly encouraging me to pursue my dreams. When I first told them I would not be applying for jobs right out of college, but instead starting my own transportation company, they were extremely supportive. They thought it was a great idea and encouraged me to go for it, saying, “If not now, then when?” This gave me the confidence to make risks and start my own business.

Another person who has been a huge help is my girlfriend, Michael Ann. When I first started last year, she always made an effort to help me with day-to-day tasks. She also helped keep me on a consistent path, encouraging me to keep going when things were hard.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve met many people who have been a tremendous help in navigating the business world. Their guidance, support, and encouragement have been a huge help in helping me grow both personally and professionally.

Website: www.athensbrewerytour.com

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