BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A creative idea for a wedding led Keatley Michael of Beckley to launch a thriving new business and earn second place in the Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition, hosted by the WV Hive Network.
Michael, a recent Business Management graduate from West Virginia University Institute of Technology, pitched her business, ParTee Rentals—a mobile mini golf course for events—in the fall competition.
Her idea won over the live audience and judges, earning her a $1,000 prize and a boost in confidence.
“It doesn’t hurt to try,” said Michael. “If you have an idea that you’re passionate about, go for it.”
The prize money allowed Michael to build her miniature golf holes and purchase a trailer to transport them.
“I made back my personal investment in this business with my first rental,” she said.
Since launching in April, ParTee Rentals has been gaining momentum.
“We are profitable and growing nicely,” Michael said. “I’ve had a decent amount of bookings for just starting the business. The overall positive feedback has been really encouraging.”
Michael said the business idea came while planning her wedding.
“In the midst of wedding planning, I was looking for a fun activity for my guests to enjoy during cocktail hour. While scrolling through Pinterest, I saw portable mini golf, and it looked like a blast. I also decided that if I was going to build it, I would turn it into a business in an attempt to make my money back.”
Shortly after, she received an email from WVU Tech encouraging students to participate in the WV Hive pitch competition. “I figured that it would not hurt to enter and, if I won something, it would just be a bonus!”
Michael was initially selected as an alternate.
“At first, I was bummed that I was so close to being picked,” she said. “Then, I got the email notifying me that a spot to present opened up, and I was super excited for the opportunity but also super nervous to present. I wouldn’t even let my family come because I didn’t want to talk in front of them.”
Despite her nerves, Michael impressed the judges.
“I was happy and grateful to have even been selected to pitch. It was nice to see that other people thought my new business idea could succeed and believed in it like I did.”
To help grow her business, Michael became a WV Hive client and received support from Diana Woods and business advisor Devon Fitzgerald.
“Both Devon and Diana have been super helpful. Diana helped me a lot before the competition, and then afterward set me up with Devon, who helped me set goals and offered me resources to attain them.”
“Keatley came in with a creative idea and an incredible amount of drive,” said Fitzgerald. “She’s taken every opportunity to grow, and it’s been great to see her turn ParTee Rentals into a successful and fun business. She’s a great example of what’s possible for young entrepreneurs in West Virginia.”
Woods added, “We have and will continue to welcome student entrepreneurs and faculty engagement in our business development efforts. The cash prizes aren’t the only benefit of participating. Entrepreneurs who participate gain tremendous experience through the entire process… There is also meaningful feedback provided…from our panel of expert judges.”
Michael said marketing remains her biggest challenge. “Social media is a huge part of my marketing plan; however, only having one product (the portable mini golf course) makes it hard to come up with diverse posts or graphics that don’t feel redundant.”
So far, ParTee Rentals has been a hit at a variety of events—from a wedding rehearsal to a beard festival.
“It’s been really cool to see that mini golf doesn’t have to fit a certain demographic besides those enjoying playing mini golf.”
Michael credited the Academy of Careers and Technology (ACT) in Beckley and her family for helping get her business off the ground.
“The ACT Carpentry program actually built all my golf holes. My family has been extremely helpful, whether it was helping to paint the golf holes, gluing down carpet, building obstacles, or just loading/unloading and setting up. I have really appreciated all they have done to help me.”
Looking ahead, Michael hopes to expand. “In five years, I would like to see ParTee Rentals have consistent bookings and perhaps even multiple courses to rent.”
ParTee Rentals is based in Beckley. For more information, visit ParTee Rentals on Facebook.
