447: Understanding the Business of Coffee w/ Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood

The world of coffee trade and commerce is complex to say the least. The difference between a business that succeeds and one that flounders is largely based on how well we know the business of coffee and how we move wisely within it as we establish and grow our shops and roasters. The consistent nurturing and success of our business has a ripple effect that will help the whole supply chain. Certainly it is not overstating the case that, if we want to have true sustainability then we in specialty coffee need to be about the business of coffee equally or more so than even the craft itself. But where do we start to gain this understanding?

To help us view this world in a clearer light I am thrilled to welcome Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood to KTTS!

Maxwell Dashwood’s fascination with coffee began in Melbourne, Australia, in 2007. Returning to the UK, he co-managed a coffee events company and opened Colonna & Small’s, a Bath-based coffee shop with a focus on curated, changing coffee menus. Maxwell founded and runs the Colonna Coffee roastery, and has recently opened a Colonna & Small’s location in London. He also works on different coffee research and development projects.

Here is just some of what we discuss in this episode: 

• The need for business knowledge
• Maxwell’s career development
• Why write this book?
• Unicorn business vs the preferable “good” business
• Various business models
• Fast vs slow growth
• Specialty coffee’s need for the brick and mortar cafe
• Sustaining a business to fulfill your vision

Links:

Buy the book: www.scottrao.com

Follow:

https://www.instagram.com/mcolonnadashwood/

https://colonnacoffee.com/

Related episodes:

• 082 : Knowledge and Flavor w/ Cosimo Libardo
• 335: A Better Business Model for Coffee Farmers w/ Thaleon Tremain of Pachamama Coffee
• 239 : 5 Best Practices for the Best Small Business w/ Henry Lopez
• 223 : Building a Financially Resilient Business w/ Andrew Carroll
• 017 : Founder Friday w/ Jonathan Rubinstein of Joe Coffee: Entrepreneurship | Coffee Business | Hiring | Barista Culture | Growth

An acclaimed figure in the industry, Maxwell is a three-time winner of the UK Barista Championships and has co-authored academic papers on coffee. He’s also the co-author of “Water For Coffee,” a study on the impact of water on coffee taste, and “The Coffee Dictionary,” an accessible guide to coffee terminology. His most recent book, “The Business of Specialty Coffee,” combines his business experiences with an exploration of the coffee supply chain.