Need a lift around town? Hop aboard the Tar-Pamlico Trolley and experience Washington through the eyes of someone who knows it best. This month's Small Business Spotlight features Adam Waters, whose dedication to the City of Washington spans more than three decades. After serving the community for 31 years in a variety of leadership roles within Public Works, Adam has found a new way to share his love for Washington—welcoming visitors aboard the Tar-Pamlico Trolley and helping them discover the history, charm, and character of our waterfront community.
During his years with the City of Washington, Adam frequently heard complaints about parking issues downtown. In response, he launched the Tar Pamlico Trolley, a free shuttle service, in 2024 to address these concerns. Adam and his wife researched the best ways to operate the trolley and to serve the residents and visitors of Washington. They ultimately decided to run the trolley as a free service, with tips appreciated. The primary revenue stream comes from advertisements on the trolley. Additionally, the Tar Pamlico Trolley offers private bookings for events such as weddings, birthday parties, and downtown tours.
Need a lift? The Tar Pamlico Trolley operates from Thursday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Call (252) 833-2698 or email adamh2os@hotmail.com for more information.
How did your idea for starting a trolley business first come about?
Being in management with the City, I always heard people complain about parking downtown. Different Councils through the years requested parking studies, but no one could decide what, if anything, should be done. We were touring a group performing the latest parking study around downtown right after I had told the current City Manager, Jonathan Russell, that I was retiring. He asked what I was going to do after I retired, and I jokingly told him I was going to buy a golf cart and fix Washington's Parking problem. Two years later, that joke became a reality when we started the Tar Pamlico Trolley Business.
What do you love most about Washington?
Washington has so much to offer with its beautiful waterfront, wonderful parks, and its small town feel, but it's the people that continue to amaze me. If you look around, the people that call Washington home are a very diverse group, but whenever there is an issue, if someone is having a difficult time, "Washington" knows about "Washington" rallies to lend a hand, however they can. Washington's charm has to be its people.
What advice would you give to others looking to start their own small business?
Never be afraid to take a chance on a business idea, even the ones that start as a joke can turn into something real. Make sure you do your research before moving on it, though. I spend many hours looking into the what-ifs and how-to's for my business ideas. Seek professional help when starting a new business. Legal,accounting, and tax help are all areas you need to think about. Washington is a great place for start-up businesses. It's a great place to raise a family, it is a tight-knit community, and we always take care of one another.
If you have ever faced a challenge as a business owner, could you share that experience and explain how you overcame it?
I'd have to say the biggest challenge as a small business owner is time management. Like many small business owners, the Trolley is just one of my ventures. I also have a consulting business where I help clients oversee capital projects, making sure their building projects are completed to their expectations and in the timeframe expected, and they are left with the end product they are paying for. Many clients don't have the time or the people resources to oversee large projects. I also serve as the Executive Director for the Tar Pamlico Basin Association, a 15-member consortium of wastewater treatment plants in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. Members stretch from Oxford to Belhaven. The best way to overcome the challenge of time, for me, has been to hire capable staff who can help take some of the load off.
