Our inaugural Small Businessperson of the Year award is proudly presented by the Small Business Center at CPCC, assisting more than 2,500 startup entrepreneurs and small business owners annually through networking events, free seminars, no-cost counseling, a business resource library, and tuition-based and non-degree courses.
Hoppin’ is unlike any other watering hole in Charlotte.
Instead of fighting for a bartender’s attention, customers at this craft beer and wine bar are issued a wristband as they walk in. Then they can hold it against any of the bar’s 60+ taps and pour their beverage themselves.
Charlotte immediately loved it. When it opened in December 2017, Hoppin’ smashed the record for ounces poured and customers served using iPourIt technology in the first week of operation.
How? Thank Rich Moyer, co-owner and finalist in our Small Businessperson of the Year award for the Consumer Technology category.
Moyer is also the co-owner of Two Scoops Creamery (now with two locations, in Plaza Midwood and Lake Norman) and recently sold a commercial cleaning company called Oneliance.
In total, he has about 80 employees. Moyer grew revenue at Two Scoops in Plaza Midwood to $1,000 per day last year, and took Oneliance from $1.8 million to $6.5 million in two year’s time before the exit.
Get to know Rich Moyer better and learn from his success with these five questions. Responses have been edited for space and clarity.
What’s the first hour of your day look like?
Every day is different for me and really depends on what my calendar looks like. I used to work out in the mornings, and I plan on getting back into that routine now that Hoppin’ is getting settled in because it is truly the best way to start the day.
What’s the most valuable business lesson you’ve learned?
One that sticks with me the most: “Do what you say you’re going to do, and be humble doing it.” My parents raised me this way and it sticks firmly for me in life and in business. These two things have helped me create great relationships that have helped my businesses grow and have been a big part of their continued success.
What’s a recent purchase of less than $100 that you love?
A gift for my girlfriend. I rarely shop but buying her something small and surprising her is always fun.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year?
“Crushing It,” by Gary Vaynerchuk
What other small businessperson do you admire?
Clifford Blanquicet. He’s a good friend of mine and my commercial realtor. He is young and works harder than anyone I know to have what he wants in life and to support his 3 kids and wife. He has an awesome story and it is cool to see his success.
Photos by Lauren Rosenau Photography
