Working Couple

Cathy and Harry Pinner, owners of Moore Farm House Bed and Breakfast in Conway, believe their different strengths and areas of expertise makes their business partnership a great one.

"Sit down and through where your strengths are in your marriage and where you have tensions," said Pinner, and then a working partnership can become a fine-tuned collaborations and a wonderful experience for both the guests and innkeepers.

The Pinners moved to Conway from Chattanooga, Tenn., and have operated the beautiful inn built in 1914 for six years. Both worked at Covenant College in Georgia for 20 years during their careers, he as vice president of planning and a conflict coordinator, and she in housekeeping supervision. They believe the two backgrounds fit together in running a bed and breakfast hand-in-glove.

"Cathy managed students and also kept the college clean, so everything the guests see is her thing," said Pinner. "I take care of marketing and a lot of the little things, and Cathy provides the service."

When every detail is tended to, including a small Whitman's sampler on each guest bedroom pillow, gourmet breakfast, good conversation and murder mystery weekends, travelers are given tender loving care as well as a place to stay for the night.

With a mission statement to "comfort weary travelers," the working couple believes that the greatest reward in operating their B&B is in the joy of meeting new people.

"You won't make a lot of money," laughed Pinner, "but it's a lifestyle we love. Sometimes we sit here and are just 'ears,' and our guests can relax."