Answering questions for this week's Small Business Snapshot is Chris McHagge, who co-owns the Claremont House Bed and Breakfast with his wife Holly.

To find out more about the Claremont House, visit their website at www.theclaremonthouse.net or call 706-291-0900.

What is the primary purpose of your business? To pro-vide unique upscale accommodations in Rome. We also are very involved in special events at Claremont House, weddings, dinner parties, luncheons. We enjoy sharing the truly unique house.

What is the business background of the owners? Before we did this, we worked in Savannah. Holly was marketing director for Girls Scouts and I worked in marketing with Red Bull.

Why did you start (or purchase) this particular business? First of all, a strong fascination with historic properties. Secondly, a great appreciation of being involved in the food industry. Holly’s parents and family are in Rome. She had an easy time convincing me to come up here because Savannah’s really nice but it’s too flat. I enjoy the hills.

What makes your business unique? We are the only bed and breakfast in Rome. The only accommodation offering that is in a historic building own by a family. Really what makes us unique is the structure itself. It was built in 1881 and we have five guest rooms.

What do you enjoy most about your chosen profession? You know, we have the opportunity when we host guests to really get a chance to talk to them and actu-ally meet our clients. It’s pretty common when we have breakfast in the morning we’ll spend an h our talking to people and really having a chance to meet and get to know them.

What has been the biggest or most interesting challenge to overcome as a small business owner? Doing everything, because we are a very small business. If we don’t do it, it doesn’t get done so we have to answer the phone, do it all. We’ve also seen people have shorter stays. They’re still staying in Rome overnight but where they were previously inclined to spend the weekend, now they’re just staying for a night.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? We think we can be a great asset for local residents to host their family and friends when they come to visit. If you need an extra space that you don’t have at your house and want a warm, inviting place to host your friends, you can come over and join them for breakfast if you want. We are also open a couple of times a year for special events such as Valentine’s dinner and Easter brunch.