Premier Party Coach LLC is a Springfield, Missouri party bus business that started in 2018. With three unique buses, Premier Party Coach services events like weddings, proms, birthdays, and more. The Scoop sat down with Bob Feeney, founder and owner of Premier Party Coach, to talk about owning and operating a small business. 

Q: First, tell me a little bit about your business and the services you provide. 

A: The name of the business is Premier Party Coach LLC, and

we are a transportation business. We provide a service and our main objective is to transport groups of people from one location to the other. We service all over the southwest Missouri area, but we are based out of Springfield. 

Q: What led you to starting a party bus business? 

A:  Well I had the driving credentials to operate a large transport, and one had become available for sale and I ended up purchasing it and starting the business that way. I really just kind of fell into it, that opportunity came about to buy the party coach and now I’ve got three of them!  

Q: What was the most difficult part of getting your small business up and running? 

A: Well with our service being transport, we have to make sure our vehicles meet the standards for mechanics and inspections. But I guess I would say if you’ve bought a coach that is really well maintained, the hardest part then becomes generating the business and letting people know that you are out there and available. 

Q: What would you say is the hardest part of being a small business owner in Springfield Missouri? 

A: You know I can’t really tell you what’s so hard about it, for me it has been relatively easy. Springfield is a great community with really great opportunities. I guess if I did have to pick one thing it would be the liability of running a party coach business, transporting people. There is always the possibility of a car pulling out in front of me or hitting me, or a deer running out in front of the coach. So if somebody were to get injured, then that would be a pretty big downside. 

Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of running your small business over the years?

A: I would say it’s been the repeat clients, it’s been the…well our focus has always been weddings and being a part of that special day is very satisfying and rewarding for us. 

Q: Finally, what advice can you give to those interested in starting a small business here in Springfield? 

A: You have to find a product or service that is a want or need for people. Basically anyone who is in business whether that be self employed or not needs a product or service that other people are interested in. So if you can find a niche that you enjoy doing, and I enjoy doing this so that’s always a plus, and if that niche doesn’t cost you more than you are making, then you can be successful in that small business.