Based in Newport Beach, California, Tara Allyson Presta has owned and operated several businesses during her career. She managed operations at Alkobar Liquor in Palm Desert, California, before selling the business and opening Balport Liquor in Newport Beach. Before her work in the wine and spirits industry, Tara Allyson Presta owned and operated a Ramada Inn in Grand Junction, Colorado. The full-service hotel had a staff of over 180 employees. She sold the business in 1992. She gained additional hotel experience as the owner and operator of The Inn in Rock Springs, Wyoming, a full-service hotel with a 500-set serving bar. She also sold The Inn in 1992.
Away from her work as a business owner, she maintains a diversity of interests. She enjoys leading a physically active lifestyle that includes cycling, playing tennis, and working out at the gym. She also paints and plays the piano.
Tara Presta studied accounting at Spokane Falls College. She holds an advanced degree in accounting, as well as degrees in computer sciences and mathematics from Eastern Washington University.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day starts with a clear plan of action, usually focused on knocking out chores early to build momentum. Staying on top of daily tasks keeps distractions at bay and allows time for more meaningful work or creativity later in the day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas start as rough concepts, but I bring them to life through hands-on construction—literally building them out step by step. Whether it’s a project, a structure, or a solution, I find that action and iteration are the best ways to make ideas real.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The continued evolution of development, especially in rural or underutilized areas, excites me. Watching how communities transform through thoughtful growth and infrastructure is both inspiring and full of opportunity.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Making lists is essential. They help keep me focused and accountable, and there’s something deeply satisfying about crossing off tasks and seeing real progress throughout the day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Live for the day, because time moves fast and nothing is guaranteed. Don’t postpone joy or wait for the perfect moment—it might not come.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe true independence often means being prepared to go it alone, and most people underestimate the importance of that self-sufficiency. It’s not pessimism—it’s empowerment.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Plan for old age, both financially and emotionally. Don’t assume others will be there to support you—build the life and security you want now.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I escape into a good book. Reading helps reset my mind and gives me a quiet space to regroup and recharge.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Holding for the long term—whether it’s investments, relationships, or plans—has paid off. Staying patient and thinking in years, not months, leads to deeper results and fewer regrets.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Not getting into law school was a major disappointment at the time. But I pivoted and learned everything I needed by doing, proving that real-world experience can sometimes be even more valuable than formal education.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile service that offers personalized estate planning and home readiness evaluations for retirees—helping people prepare their homes and finances for aging in place. It combines practicality with peace of mind.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Google Earth is incredibly useful for planning and visualizing developments, especially in construction or land-use work. It helps with everything from topography analysis to property evaluation.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’ve gained a lot from The Daily Stoic podcast—it’s practical, thought-provoking, and reminds me to stay centered and resilient no matter what’s happening around me.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I really enjoyed 1923. I love the Montana setting, the grit of the characters, and the portrayal of fiercely independent people carving out a life on their own terms.
Key learnings
- Long-term thinking and planning are crucial for both personal security and professional growth.
- Practical habits like list-making and reading provide structure and mental clarity.
- Real-world experience can be as powerful as formal education in building a successful path.
- Independence and self-sufficiency are core values that guide long-term life decisions.
- Development trends in underutilized areas present exciting opportunities for innovation and impact.