Meet Austin DeLeeuw | Co-Founder & Bartender

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

Hi Austin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As the co-founders of BarBoys, our journey towards starting our own business was an exciting and fulfilling one. It all began during our college years when we first met and discovered our shared passion for hosting events. We always had a great time planning and throwing parties for our friends, and it quickly became apparent that we had a natural talent for creating enjoyable and memorable experiences. After college, life took us to the same bar, where we both started working as bartenders. It was there that we honed our bartending skills, built lasting relationships with customers, and began to form a loyal clientele. We enjoyed the atmosphere of the bar and the interactions with the patrons, but we also noticed a growing demand for private bartending services for various events.
As we started researching the local private bartending market, we were astonished to find that many services were overpriced, making it unaffordable for average customers to hire a bartender for their events. This realization sparked our entrepreneurial spirit, and we saw an opportunity to create a business that would cater to a broader audience by providing affordable and professional private bartending services.
With our experiences in event hosting and bartending, we felt well-equipped to venture into this new territory. We brainstormed extensively, envisioning the kind of company we wanted to build and the values we wanted it to uphold. Our vision was to establish BarBoys as a go-to service for anyone in need of a bartender, whether it be for baby showers, birthdays, weddings, or even concerts.
From two best friends with a shared love for events to business owners providing a valuable service to our community, the road hasn’t always been easy, but the rewards have been immeasurable. We are excited about the future as we continue to expand our business, explore new opportunities, and ensure that BarBoys remains the epitome of quality, affordability, and outstanding service.
In conclusion, our thought process in starting BarBoys was driven by our passion for events, bartending, and our commitment to providing affordable services to our clients. We took a leap of faith, learned from our experiences, and are now living our dream of running a successful and fulfilling business together.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
BarBoys is a premier private bartending service that stands out for two main reasons: affordability and energy-infused bartenders. What sets us apart from our competitors is our commitment to offering high-quality services at a budget-friendly price, making our bartending services accessible to a broader audience. Our team of handpicked bartenders is carefully chosen for their vibrant personalities and ability to bring an electrifying atmosphere to all events. We believe that an energetic bartender can elevate any gathering, creating a memorable experience for our clients and their guests.
Our journey has been a mix of ups and downs, with some potential leads disappearing without inquiry, but our determination and persistence have proven instrumental in overcoming challenges. Through our unwavering dedication, we have been able to secure more events and establish ourselves as a trusted and reliable service provider.
As part of our continuous growth, we recognized the need to expand our offerings to cater to a diverse clientele. Learning about Mocktails and the beverage industry was a crucial step in ensuring that we could satisfy all clients, including those who prefer non-alcoholic options. We understand that customization and attention to detail are essential in delivering an exceptional bartending experience for every event.
At BarBoys, our mission is simple yet powerful: to make every event fun and safe for all guests. We are passionate about bringing energy and excitement to gatherings while ensuring a secure and enjoyable environment. With our team of vibrant and responsible bartenders, we aim to create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression on our clients and their guests, spreading the message that at BarBoys, fun and safety go hand in hand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Grand Central Market, offering a diverse array of cuisines from local vendors. After breakfast, head to The Broad museum for an enriching art experience. For lunch, grab a bite at the historic Olvera Street, where you can indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine. Afternoon shopping awaits at The Grove, a premier shopping destination with a mix of luxury brands and trendy boutiques. In the evening, take a stroll through the bustling streets of Little Tokyo and enjoy a delectable dinner at one of the many authentic Japanese restaurants. To end the day, head to Santa Monica Beach, known for its picturesque coastline and vibrant atmosphere, and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, a perfect way to unwind after an eventful day in downtown LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As the co-founders of BarBoys, we wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have played a significant role in helping us along this incredible journey. First and foremost, we extend our sincere thanks to Jared Lietz for being the catalyst that got us into bartending and for giving us our very first event. Your belief in our abilities and unwavering support have been instrumental in setting us on the path to success. We will forever be grateful for the opportunity you provided, and it has been an honor to learn from your expertise.
To Bobby and Mackenzie, thank you for pushing us to become better bartenders and business owners. Your mentorship and guidance have been invaluable in shaping our skills and refining our approach. Your dedication to excellence has inspired us to always strive for the best.
To our families and friends, a special shoutout goes to each one of you for being our pillars of support throughout this journey. Your encouragement and understanding have kept us motivated during both challenging and rewarding times. In particular, we want to express our deepest gratitude to Eleni Lembesis for taking charge of our social media presence. Your efforts have significantly contributed to our brand’s visibility and success.
To our incredible team of bartenders – Travis, Caleb, and Yamil – thank you for being an integral part of BarBoys from the very first day of operations. Your dedication, professionalism, and passion for delivering outstanding service have been the backbone of our business. We are proud to have you as part of our BarBoys family.
To Matt and Damien, we extend our appreciation for your invaluable contributions in creating our logo and website. Your artistic talents and creative vision have given our brand a unique identity that resonates with our clients and sets us apart in the industry.
Last but not least, we want to express our gratitude to 102.7N KIIS FM for playing a pivotal role in sparking our business to a great start. Your support in promoting our services has been instrumental in reaching a wider audience and creating awareness about BarBoys.
To everyone mentioned above and all those who have contributed to BarBoys’ success, we are immensely grateful for your involvement and support. Our journey wouldn’t have been the same without each one of you, and we look forward to continuing to grow and thrive with your unwavering support.

Website: https://bar-boys-website.webflow.io

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barboysbartending/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094280556566

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/barboys-bartending-corona

Image Credits
Matt Cruz