Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Billy Schiel, Founder of Honor Society Coffee Co., located in Tomball, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Our business is a full-service neighborhood espresso bar. We serve the local community and those who love to come through for a great coffee beverage and vibe.

Tell us about yourself

Curiosity originally got me started down a path of coffee roasting in 2013. It led to hobby roasting, which turned into slinging beans at the local farmer's market, which led to growing our business to a full-time deal and leaving my career in sales. I stepped away from that business to pursue a calling in pastoral ministry. During the pandemic of 2020, I decided to launch an online coffee distribution business with my teenage boys, and that was the beginning of Honor Society Coffee Co.

I've had the desire to open my own coffee bar for years, and my buddy Matt and I have been dreaming about doing that in our community, so when the right space opened up earlier this year, we decided to take the leap and go for it. It's our love for our community and sharing the gift of great coffee that really inspires us daily. It's all about creating a space, vibe, and culture that people can connect with and enjoy.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Ha, I think the joy of creating a space that people resonate with and want to come to and bring their friends to is a humbling accomplishment.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Always being on. No matter where you are, you're never fully removed from the "life of the business." It's really an exercise in problem-solving on repeat. Ownership means you're serving and working to ensure the values and culture is transferred to everyone else.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. When you start something, no one is going to care as much about the thing as you, so make sure you pass on what you want to replicate.
  2. Be ready to work really, really, really hard for at least 3-5 years to make sure your business is going to make it.
  3. Look for people who share a similar passion and creative work ethic to invest in.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.honorsocietycoffeeco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honorsocietycoffeeco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honorsocietycoffeeco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-schiel-253b8138/


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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