At Patriot Software, we’re committed to providing accounting and payroll software that lets small business owners keep their time and money for what they love: running their business!
Our #PatriotSpotlight customer success stories celebrate and inspire U.S. small business owners across the country. For our April small business spotlight, we interviewed Lisa Peterson, owner of Virginia-based bed and breakfast, Airwell Bed and Breakfast. Approximately 10 years ago, Lisa and her husband, Todd, decided to follow their dream of opening up a bed and breakfast by purchasing Airwell.
Airwell Bed and Breakfast has been in business since 2015 and gives guests an unforgettable getaway in the country with stunning views of the mountains, making it a perfect place for a retreat year-round.
Can you tell me a little history about your business?
About 30 years ago on our honeymoon, my husband, Todd, and I stayed at our first bed and breakfast (B&B). We decided that when we retired from our careers as teachers, we would open our own B&B! Ten years ago, we took the plunge and purchased Airwell, circa 1860, in Purcellville, VA. While we worked full time, we spent five years renovating, updating, building, and landscaping. We learned many skills along the way and did the majority of work ourselves. In August of 2015, after I left my job as a special education teacher, we opened up for business with two private cottages on our property, one which was original and one newly built. Over the next two years, we opened up two more rooms for guests, both in our main house. Our dream had come true, and we love what we do!
Can you tell me a little bit about what you offer?
We offer our guests a peaceful, romantic retreat in the country, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens on a five-acre historic property. Our private cottages and rooms, all with private baths, include many amenities, such as wood-burning fireplaces, private patios, luxurious sheets and towels, snacks, cookies, and a scrumptious gourmet breakfast. We also offer many extras, such as massages, roses, chocolate fondue, cakes, and a selection of wine and beer. We are located in Western Loudoun County which boasts 43 wineries and even more farm breweries. Many of our guests stay with us while attending weddings at the many nearby venues.
How many hours do you usually work per week?
Our business is a full-time job! We do all of the work to maintain this historic property and grounds, as well as all of the cleaning, cooking, marketing, communicating with guests, and financial recordkeeping. The most important and fun part of our job is connecting with our guests by chatting with them about the area, making recommendations for things to do, and just getting to know them on a personal level. We have met the most wonderful people from all over the world!
What’s the most difficult part about running a business?
The most difficult part of running our business is wearing so many hats and having to learn the ins and outs of running a business, from recordkeeping to taxes to creating a website.
How does Patriot Software help you run your small business?
Patriot helps with our payroll and pays our taxes for us. It is simple, requires little time, and is done accurately at a very cost-effective price. We are very pleased with Patriot and the great service we have received.
When it comes to your business, what are you most proud of?
We are most proud of the excellent accommodations and overall experience that we provide to our guests, as reflected in our 5-star reviews. We go above and beyond in creating an unforgettable getaway for our guests, and many guests have returned multiple times.
When you’re not busy working, what do you like to do in your spare time?
We love to visit the local wineries and breweries, hike on the Appalachian Trail, go biking, read, and garden. We also love to travel with our adult children.
What words of advice do you have for people hoping to impact the community with their own small business?
Our advice is to always make your clients/guests your number one focus. If you are kind, considerate, professional, and make every effort to meet the needs of your clients in a personal way, your business will be successful!
Connect with Airwell Bed and Breakfast online: