"The SBDC provided us with the insight to help sell our project." - Bryn Keller |
 Bryn & Dan Keller Woodhaven B & B and Event Venue
749 Mill Road Schellsburg, PA 15559 Bedford County Industry: B & B/Event Center Year Founded: 2018 SBDC Assistance: Business plan, financial analysis
Additional Partners: Community
State Bank, Business on Banking & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce |
B & B and Event Center Opens in Schellsburg
Bryn and Dan Keller have had their eye on
a property in Schellsburg that they felt was perfect for their vision. They feel with all the tourism activity in
Bedford County there is a market for a bed and breakfast as well as an event
facility.
The facility would have three rooms, all
with private baths as well as a barn venue that would enable the business to
host weddings, reunions, parties, etc. Alternative
event venues have been growing in popularity and the facility and property
offers many amenities to potential guests.
The Keller’s will be living on-site and be available to meet any guest
needs.
The location will offer a beautiful view
from the spacious wrap-around porch, access to a nearby stream, Colvin Covered
Bridge and Forbes Trail and proximity to Shawnee State Park. The barn venue will provide space for 150
guests and the B & B will provide facilities for the wedding party to get
ready for the big day. Guests will also
have the ability to choose from several local caterers to provide the food for
their event. Bryn has experience in
marketing as she was formerly the Bridal Reservations Coordinator and the
Catering Sales Manager for the Bedford Spring Resort. This gave her the knowledge and experience to
work with customers in planning their special events. Dan is the manager of the Village News in
Bedford and is experienced in all aspects of operating and managing a retail
business.
The Keller’s contacted a friend of theirs
that was in business for help with their project. In turn, their friend referred them to the
SBDC for assistance in discussing their options and in completing their business
plan and projected financial statements.
The Center assisted the Keller’s in
completing the business plan, preparing the projected financial statements, and
completing the assumptions for the projections.
The goal was to demonstrate the background, experience, and knowledge of
the owners, as well as the ability to service the proposed debt. They put a great deal of work into the plan,
particularly the market.
The financing for the project was approved
by a local bank as well as the Business on Banking program. The project also included private financing
along with owner investment. The business
opened in July and the SBDC attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting that
was conducted by the Bedford Chamber of Commerce. The business is doing well and the
renovations have started on the event center.
They have seven weddings booked for 2019 and the B & B is booked
most weekends. The business has two
employees.