Meet Blake Pottmeyer

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Blake Pottmeyer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Blake , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I’ve always had a strong work ethic, even as an adolescent. Everyone in my family shares the same grit. I grew up in a household of entrepreneurs and weekend warriors, and my siblings and I were always finding new ways to make extra money. Shoveling snow in the winter, cutting grass in the summer, or selling pretzels at parades in Philly.

Whenever a parade was scheduled, we’d load racks of soft pretzels into a Radio Flyer wagon we had rigged with aluminum foil and a low-burning propane tank to keep them warm. We were the only vendors with hot pretzels, and the margins were great! That small venture taught us a lot about creativity, persistence, and seizing opportunity.

We all inherited our work ethic from our parents and grandparents. My dad is an accomplished entrepreneur with deep roots in the community, and his parents, and many other family members, set the same example. From them, I learned that there are no overnight successes and no such thing as a free lunch. Patience, honesty, and consistent effort will always take you further than anything else.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I started my career as a systems integrator and eventually transitioned into project management, but entrepreneurship has always been a big part of my journey. That path led me to launch Choice Bartenders LLC, based in Marietta, Ohio. We proudly serve the Mid-Ohio Valley, including Marietta, Parkersburg, Athens, and the surrounding areas of Southeastern Ohio, with one clear mission: to give people the best bar experience in any setting.

Choice Bartenders is a fully mobile service, designed to bring professional bartending to weddings, private parties, and corporate events. What makes us special is the flexibility of our flat-rate packages, which are completely customizable to fit the size, style, and atmosphere of any event. From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, we provide everything you need to create a smooth and memorable experience for your guests.

Building on that success, we are expanding into entertainment with Choice Event DJs. Just like our mobile bar service, we are fully mobile and cover the same Mid-Ohio Valley region, with growth now reaching into Central Ohio. Our DJs bring the energy, sound, and professionalism essential to keeping the celebration going, whether it’s a wedding reception, a festival, or a corporate event.

The Mid-Ohio Valley has been incredibly supportive, and we are proud to operate our small business here in Marietta, Ohio. As we continue to grow, our focus remains the same: delivering top-quality service, creating unforgettable experiences, and supporting the communities we call home.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most important qualities that shaped my journey have been adaptability, persistence, and communication.

Adaptability has been critical in moving from systems integration into project management, and later into building my own businesses. Technology and entrepreneurship both change fast, and the ability to learn, pivot, and apply new skills has allowed me to keep moving forward.

Persistence is what carried me through the hard times. Whether it’s been finishing school, launching Choice Bartenders LLC in Marietta, Ohio, or expanding into Choice Event DJs across the Southeastern and Central Ohio. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and the willingness to keep pushing, even when things are tough, has made all the difference.

Communication ties everything together. In integrations, I learned to explain complex systems in ways people could understand. In business, I’ve learned that how you connect with clients and partners determines the strength of your relationships. Listening, being clear, and being honest are all part of building trust.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple: stay flexible and open to learning, don’t give up when things move slower than you want, and never underestimate the value of strong, honest communication.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning how to market myself and my businesses in ways that truly connect with people. I’ve invested a lot of time into understanding search rankings, and how to reach potential clients online, and that knowledge has helped me expand Choice Bartenders LLC and Choice Event DJs across the Mid-Ohio Valley and the rest of Southeastern Ohio.

At the same time, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some of the top venues and professionals in the area, and I couldn’t be more thankful for their support. The Farmer’s Daughters and Son, LLC in Marietta, Ohio has been one of our strongest partners, and if you’re having a wedding or event there, there’s a good chance Choice will be part of it. We’ve also built great working relationships with the Elizabeth Broughton Building and The Barn at White Pine Acres, both in Marietta, Ohio, Fox Meadow Barn, Little Hocking, Ohio, The Barker Estate, Marietta, Ohio.

I also want to give a special shoutout to some amazing colleagues: Mike Bishman of Premier Productions Entertainment LLC in Beverly, Ohio, Alec Ortiz of DJ Associates in Marietta, Ohio, DJ Correct (Curt Plumber) in Columbus, Ohio, Emma Aston of Wren & Wylde in Marietta, Ohio (serving Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania), and Melissa Rose Photography in Marietta, Ohio. Their collaboration and support have been invaluable as Choice continues to grow.

Looking back, I’m proud of how far we’ve com, not just in building strong online visibility, but in deepening our local roots and partnerships. That balance between digital reach and real community connection has been the most rewarding part of this year’s growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://choicebartenders.com/ , https://choiceeventdjs.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choice_bartenders/ , https://www.instagram.com/choice.event.djs.ohio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558158770349 , https://www.facebook.com/soundbychoice/