Events Company Feeling Right at Home in Greater Gainesville
Bearded Brothers Events is a trio of mobile bartenders who, yes, all flaunt a beard. However, they are much more than just bartenders. They are a tight-knit group of friends who really know how to help their clients have a good time.
Owner and operator, Justin Nelson, has established a thriving weekend side venture with his Gainesville-based entertainment company. It all started in 2010 as a karaoke business called AJ Entertainment.
The team rebranded to Bearded Brothers Events five years ago, booking more weddings and adding a photo booth to their repertoire of services. They have continued to expand upon an array of fun services that bring life to any party.
Mobile Bartending Services
Nelson and his fellow crew members have extensive bar industry experience. They offer clients two options. They can provide all the supplies and ingredients, and Bearded Brothers serve as bartenders. Or, Bearded Brothers can both bartend and provide everything needed, such as the mixers and garnishes. The only thing they cannot provide is alcohol, since Bearded Brothers does not have a liquor license.
“It’s more or less a bona fide server when it comes down to it,” said Nelson.
Clients give them a list of drinks, which they use to curate a mini cocktail menu. Bearded Brothers recently bought yard Jenga and cornhole to bring to bartending events upon customer request, at no extra cost.
The group works everything from weddings to corporate events. Clients can take home postcard-sized photos as mementos or access their online picture gallery anytime. Bearded Brothers also offers coordination services, which means someone is there on the day of the event to ensure that everything is set up and decorated.
Strong Community Ties
Bearded Brothers’ three employees all work day jobs and have strong ties to the Greater Gainesville community. Nelson, who manages a local real estate office, has been in Greater Gainesville for 22 years.
He and fellow business partner Andrew, who goes by DJ Drew, have been friends for 15 years. Andrew is a retired police officer who works private security for one of the Gainesville schools.
The third member of their crew is Bill Fritz. He previously owned Gainesville City DJ and now works full-time with Bearded Brothers. He also provides marketing services to small businesses and hosts trivia nights on the side. He is also active in helping with Boy Scouts.
Nelson met Fritz at Grace United Methodist church where he and Nelson were both working in tech. Fritz was serving as one of Grace’s DJs for a community event called “Night to Shine.” Two years ago, Fritz asked Nelson about working together. For Nelson, it was a no-brainer.
“So, this is home for the three of us,” said Nelson.
Just the first part of their company name applies, as they each sport beards but are not related. The “brothers” aspect refers to their fraternal bond as close friends, like a “band of brothers,” said Nelson. Lately business has been booming for this band of hirsute brothers. As of early December, they were already booked for 26 events in 2023.
Gainesville: A Central Location
Nelson loves that there is so much opportunity in Greater Gainesville, ranging from the corporate businesses located here to organizations that hold fundraising events.
Nelson calls Gainesville a hub for North Central Florida. His company has hosted events as far north as Valdosta, Georgia, and as far south as Fort Myers.
“It’s a central location for us,” said Nelson. “Being based here is good. It’s that small-town feeling, but at the same time a large opportunity.”
Being part of the Greater Gainesville community for more than 20 years has allowed Nelson to network, establish trust and build a reputation. If Bearded Brothers’ five-star rating on Wedding Wire is any indication, that reputation is a positive one.
One wedding client, Gabrielle, gushed, “Justin was fabulous and as organized as this meticulous bride! Great communication from beginning to end.”
Nelson relishes his weekends, when he gets the opportunity to host Bearded Brothers events.
“It’s more for the social life and the interaction for me, and making people happy,” he said. “Creating that experience for them — that’s the only reason why I keep doing it.”
By Colin McCandless.