Each Wednesday the Napa Valley Register’s Business Focus features “10 Questions” for a local entrepreneur or business person. Readers are welcome to suggest businesspeople to be profiled.

Celeste Carducci starts most days teaching a 5:30 a.m. workout class, then heads home to cook breakfast for 10 guests.

As owner of the five-room McClelland-Priest Bed and Breakfast Inn, Carducci is dedicated to providing her guests top-notch customer service — including a full two-course gourmet breakfast served promptly at 9 a.m.

The home’s third owner, she purchased the 1870s mansion from the Priest family estate in 1988. 

Besides running her historic inn, fitness is another passion. Carducci is a part-time instructor in the physical education department at Napa Valley College and at HealthQuest Fitness Center.

“I really enjoy promoting health and fitness,” she said.

What three people would you most like to have dinner with?

Dean Anthony Marshall, the dean of my college — Florida International University — who was a great mentor.

My mother Felicia Georger — a hospitality industry leader that open the doors of my career.

My brother Daryl Georger — an amazing leader and role model in the hospitality industry.

What was your first job?

Front desk clerk, maid and lifeguard all in one working for my mom at an Airways Hotel chain in upstate New York.

How did you get into this business?

My mother was one of the first females in upstate New York to be hired in management by the Airways Corporation. She hired me into the industry while in Junior High School.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

The financial roller coaster beginning early 2001. First the tanking of the dotcom industry in early 2001, then 9/11 and then the Iraq War in early 2002. We lost three strong seasons of tourism. It was a slow rebuilding process, but we continued with the glass half-full attitude and worked aggressively with patience over the following three years to bring it back. I felt I was re-inventing a new business model. I guess I did.

What’s on your to-do list? 

Begin thinking of my next career, write  books on family recipes and the willingness to serve, and consult nationally in hospitality management/health and fitness.

Who do you most admire in the business world?

Gil Nickel — Far Niente Winery. An amazing person that accomplished life beyond life.

Andy Beckstoffer — High energy, a great businessman, strategist and gentleman.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven’t yet? 

Finish the rest of my Juris Doctor/MBA.

What is one necessary extravagance in your life? 

Shoes. Your feet are a part of a great foundation.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

My age.

What other businessperson would you like to see featured in “10 Questions?” 

Bruce Ahnfeldt, attorney at law and vintner.

Ellen Udoff of Wine Buzz Marketing.

The 11th question for Celeste Carducci.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about owning a B&B?

“The time commitment and dedication to the guests,” said Carducci.  “You have to be available to people 24/7.

“It’s really sharing your place of residence and being committed to service and being accommodating.”

With five rooms, Carducci is able to run her business with just herself and another employee. The innkeeper lives on the property in a carriage house. Being a little removed from the main house helps, she said, but Carducci’s never completely off duty. She doesn’t mind. “I love what I do.”

She usually vacations in slower months, like January, hiring someone experienced in the hospitality industry as a substitute.

“You can’t just shut it down. Reservations keep coming in.”