It’s Founder Friday! I am very pleased to be presenting a conversation with someone who I have wanted to have on a Founder Friday for quite a while. Not just because he has been quite successful, but because in the course of achieving that success he has created a model of a healthy and resilient business through rooted and wise decision making, refinement, expansion, and putting values into action. Today we are talking with Justin Shepherd of Spencer’s Coffee in Bowling green, KY!
Justin left a career in journalism to purchase a coffeeshop, along with his wife, Shelley, back in 2005. In the years since, he and his team have transformed Spencer’s Coffee from a quaint downtown cafe to a sustainable and ever-growing company, boasting two locations and a third set to open this fall). In addition to a full menu of coffee and espresso, house-made pastries and made-to-order breakfast items are served at both locations, and the original downtown location also features a full lunch menu, along with a rotating selection of craft beer.
In our conversation we will be taking you through the whole story of how Justin started, early and hard lessons, navigating change, and building a firm foundation with the community in mind.
We cover:
- Early lessons taking over an existing business
- Getting through initial challenges
- Learning about coffee and business
- Asking for help and becoming confident
- Serving what is right for your community
- Managing customer retention and changing standards
- Knowing the numbers and profitability
- Stages of expansion
- Hiring and Managing
- Keeping the community as your center
- Justin’s proudest accomplishment
- Advice to other owners/entrepreneurs
Links:
Related Episodes:
146 : How to Host a Throwdown w/ Justin Shepherd of Spencers Coffee, Bowling Green, KY
145: Founder Friday w/ Red Rooster Coffee Roasters co-founder, Haden Polseno-Hensley
083: 6 Essential Books for your Professional Growth
196 : Understanding Customer Preferences w/ Peter Giuliano
223 : Building a Financially Resilient Business w/ Andrew Carroll
230 : Making room for Community in your Shop
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