Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Max Amodeo, Partner at Coffee Brothers, located in Colton, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Coffee Brothers is a leading Specialty Coffee Roasting Company committed to sustainability and quality, with a wide range of products, from single-origin coffee to blends formulated for espresso as well as drip coffee. We source our coffee selections from traditionally farmed coffee, Fair Trade Organic Coffee, as well as Growers First Coffee. Coffee Brothers is dedicated to providing its customers with the best coffee experience possible.
We are prevalent in the restaurant and cafe industry, we roast and package our coffee for a variety of private-label brands, and our retail business is managed via our website at www.coffeebrothers.com.
Tell us about yourself
I would say that passion for coffee is probably one of the more motivating factors that led to the decision to begin coffee roasting. Growing up in Italy, we were introduced to the ritual of espresso in the morning, followed by another espresso by 10 am, and of course, one after lunch, followed by the usual 4 pm pick me up. Coffee was part of daily life, and when the opportunity presented itself to share a piece of our DNA with the rest of the world, we jumped to it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's hard to point to a singular accomplishment. I suppose being able to remain in business for over 38 years, changing and fine-tuning the business model as needed, and surpassing the many challenges that have come and gone could constitute a great accomplishment, although forging lasting friendships with people who were once just customers seem just as important, but on a more personal level.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The ability to resolve unforeseen issues arising from multiple sources at the same time without losing sight of what is important. The customer and the product are both equally important.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Starting a business requires a certain level of risk-taking and a desire to build something from the ground up. Some people are motivated by the challenge of building a successful business and the potential rewards that come with it, but monetary success can only be achieved if:
- Ask yourself if the business model is filling an opportunity gap in product, quality, or service.
- Are you in a position to dedicate yourself to the long hours and low to no wages for as long as it might take?
- Marketing and sales are going to be as important as the product.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.coffeebrothers.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-amodeo-11807927/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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