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Welcome to the Coffee Experts Club!
If you're anything like us, then you've taken what could have been just a job and appreciated it enough to make it a calling. Coffee is at the center of communities, economies and most people's mornings. Being a coffee professional can allow you to be a stable presence in the lives of many, but it also comes with a lot of hard work and a lot of variables that need to be figured out in order to deliver that perfect cup every day.
Aaron, Drew and Ben have over 25 years of combined experience in the coffee industry and they are still helping major coffee brands today with their daily operations and opening of new locations. Come join these experts as they have in depth conversations about: opening new locations, managing people, sourcing products, business strategies and pitfalls and a whole lot more.
And when you're ready to make this world your own, let us help you open up YOUR FIRST COFFEE DRIVE THRU! www.myfirstdrivethru.coffee
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16. Turning Troubles into Triumph at The Human Bean
In this episode of the "Coffee Experts Club" podcast, host Aaron interviews two exceptional individuals from Human Bean coffee shops in Reno, Tasha and Halo. The conversation dives into their experiences and journeys within the coffee industry, shedding light on the unique challenges they've faced as baristas, managers, and leaders. Tasha, the Reno Regional Manager, talks about her history with the company and how she initially crossed paths with Halo. They reflect on the story of Drew, a Coffee Expert sent to Reno from the Collab team, and how he quickly became enamored with the Human Bean Reno culture, particularly under Halo's leadership. Halo, the stand manager of the South Virginia store, shares her inspiring journey, starting as a barista during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. She narrates the transformation of a once-troubled store into a thriving one and how her approach to hiring has evolved from prioritizing quantity to focusing on quality and culture fit. Halo also opens up about the challenges she's faced when it comes to maintaining work-life balance and setting boundaries in her role. This engaging episode offers valuable insights into the world of coffee shop management and highlights the importance of nurturing talent, setting boundaries, and fostering a positive work environment. Join Aaron, Tasha, and Halo for a deep dive into the coffee business and the lessons learned along the way. Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction and what it’s like to work with Drew Moody 3:05 Halo - starting in covid, chaos and craziness 6:41 Tasha identifying leadership in Halo 9:12 Transitioning from new shop assistant manager to manager in 2 months 14:37 Learning not to hire for quantity over quality 18:20 The ongoing biggest hurdle Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
23:4929/11/2023
15. Insider Secrets to Opening a Coffee Shop Abroad
In this exciting episode of The Coffee Experts Club, join Ben and Drew as they dive into the fascinating world of opening a new coffee shop in Belize. Drew is on the ground in Belize, working tirelessly to get everything ready for the grand opening. The episode is filled with intriguing insights and engaging conversations about the unique challenges and opportunities they've encountered during the process. Discover the adventures of setting up a coffee shop in a different country, from adapting to new plumbing styles and electrical systems to the thrill of assembling a dream team of baristas. Listen to Drew's experiences, from interviewing over 50 potential candidates to finding the perfect 10-member crew, and understand the unique dynamics of building a coffee culture from the ground up in Belize. Join in on their discussion about the grand opening plans, complete with exciting tidbits about potential media coverage, VIP guests, and pricing strategies. You'll gain valuable insights into the intricacies of running a coffee shop in a vibrant and enthusiastic community. Plus, they share their thoughts on creating a streamlined order and service system, making your visit to this coffee shop a quick and enjoyable experience. So, whether you're a coffee aficionado, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply a curious traveler, tune in to learn about the extraordinary journey of opening a coffee shop in Belize. It's a unique, informative, and engaging episode you won't want to miss! Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction - A surprise call from Drew in Belize 2:25 Differences setting up a shop in Belize 6:19 Interview update 8:21 Grand opening plans 10:46 Enjoying Belize when you can Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
12:1922/11/2023
14. Unlocking Belize's Coffee Culture
Welcome to another episode of The Coffee Experts Club with your hosts Aaron, Ben, and Drew. In this captivating episode, our hosts dive into the world of coffee in Belize, a tropical paradise that's fast becoming a hot spot for coffee enthusiasts. Join us as Aaron, Ben, and Drew explore the unique challenges and opportunities that coffee shop owners face in this vibrant tourist destination. Our hosts discuss the innovative approach of creating coffee shops in Belize that cater to tourists looking for an authentic experience. Discover how Aaron, Ben, and Drew are designing these shops to deliver the perfect cup of coffee while embracing the local culture and ambiance. Learn about the intricacies of importing coffee and other supplies in a place like Belize and the extended lead times they face, leading to interesting insights on inventory management and planning. Find out how they adapt to the distinct tourist seasons in Belize and how it affects their operations and sales. The Coffee Experts Club podcast, hosted by Aaron, Ben, and Drew, brings you valuable insights into the world of coffee, from business strategies to the art of crafting the perfect cup. Join us for this eye-opening journey through the coffee culture of Belize and gain a fresh perspective on the industry. Tune in now to uncover the secrets behind creating a successful coffee shop in a tropical paradise with Aaron, Ben, and Drew. Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction - A Whole New World (or nation) of coffee 3:14 Some differences between coffee in the US and in Belize 5:41 Lead time on items in Belize 9:10 Working with on tourism and off tourism seasons 12:55 Partnering with other companies to drive business from tourism 18:32 The joys of Belize according to Drew Moody 20:23 A clean slate of 60 potential new baristas Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
23:1815/11/2023
13. Buying a Coffee Shop with Jerick from Swigg Coffee
Welcome to another exciting episode of "The Coffee Experts Club," the place to be for coffee aficionados and entrepreneurs. In this episode, your hosts Ben, and Drew are joined by a special guest, Jarrett Gillam, the mastermind behind Swig Coffee Bar, a new local venture in Tri Cities, Washington. Jarrett introduces himself and his journey into the coffee world, emphasizing his passion for crafting exceptional coffee and providing opportunities for the community. The hosts dive into a discussion about Swig Coffee Bar's grand opening, currently in its soft launch phase, and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. Discover the details of Swig Coffee Bar's grand opening, complete with exciting deals and surprises for its customers. From special offers to live DJs and familiar barista faces, it's a celebration worth joining. With prime location insights and community-focused offerings, Swig Coffee Bar is setting itself apart in the competitive coffee industry. Jarrett shares his transition from being an employee at Roaster's Coffee to becoming the owner of Swig Coffee Bar, offering valuable insights into the challenges and highlights of this transformation. The episode delves into the importance of creating a distinct identity for the new coffee shop, including its local partnerships and unique menu offerings, creating a community-oriented, locally-focused brand that aims to fill the "hometown brand hole." Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or an aspiring coffee entrepreneur, this episode provides valuable insights into the intricacies of coffee shop ownership and the journey of creating a unique coffee destination. Join "The Coffee Experts Club" for a caffeinated conversation that blends business acumen with a passion for great coffee. Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction and Welcome Jerick Gillum 3:50 The challenge of moving from employee to owner 6:19 The customer response to switching brands + quality local product 10:05 Convincing the baristas to be all in with new ownership 12:42 Can conversation and salesmanship be trained? 14:06 Would Jerick recommend buying out a coffee shop… 16:24 Putting your own spin on the name of your drinks 18:33 The biggest victory in taking over an existing coffee shop 20:51 Supply Chain Issues Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
23:3008/11/2023
12. Coffee Republic's Grand Opening Strategy Revealed!
In this episode of "The Coffee Experts Club," hosts Aaron, Ben, and Drew delve into the critical aspects of positioning for a successful grand opening. Join them as they share their experiences and insights from the recent grand opening of Coffee Republic in Great Falls, Montana. They kick off the discussion with a recap of the exhilarating grand opening days, where Coffee Republic set a remarkable standard for first-time coffee shop launches in the area. Drew Moody, on-site for the grand opening, provides an inside look at the preparation, execution, and the enthusiastic response from customers. The hosts then shift their focus to the positioning of team members during the high-stakes event. They highlight the importance of identifying individual strengths and skill sets among the baristas to ensure smooth operations during the grand opening. Drew shares how they strategically assigned roles and allowed baristas to showcase their talents, emphasizing the significance of excelling in customer-facing positions, especially at the window. As they reflect on the success of the grand opening and the lessons learned, the hosts underscore the value of trial and error in training and empowering baristas to adapt and thrive in challenging situations. This episode offers valuable insights for coffee shop owners and enthusiasts looking to navigate the intricacies of grand openings, from team positioning to maximizing customer engagement. Join "The Coffee Experts Club" for an engaging conversation that uncovers the secrets of creating a winning team and delivering a memorable coffee shop launch. Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction + Coffee Republic update from Drew 4:29 How the new staff did 7:27 Identifying people and their skillsets 17:33 Drew’s top observations from the Coffee Republic grand opening 23:43 The “Free Day” strategy 26:03 Final words of wisdom Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
27:2501/11/2023
11. Grand Opening Prep with Jonathan of Coffee Republic
Welcome to "The Coffee Experts Club," where your hosts Aaron, Ben, and Drew take you on a caffeinated journey through the world of coffee. In this episode, they sit down with Jonathan Maiers, the mastermind behind Coffee Republic, a coffee venture that's making waves in Montana. The trio discusses the unique setup of Coffee Republic, the grand opening deals that have been turning heads, and the distinct coffee culture in Great Falls, Montana. With years of coffee industry experience, they explore the challenges and opportunities of bringing a new wave of drive-thru coffee culture to the region. Join them for insights into the coffee business, the importance of finding the right vendors, and the unexpected hurdles they encounter along the way. "The Coffee Experts Club" is your source for all things coffee, where passionate baristas and coffee enthusiasts share their expertise and love for the brew. So grab your favorite coffee mug and tune in for an engaging conversation about coffee, culture, and community. Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction and Welcome Jonathan Maiers 2:42 Grand opening week of deals! 3:43 Blessed with great baristas 4:42 Competitors from the area 7:28 Grand Opening crew 8:15 Oh crap the milk isn’t coming 10:01 The joy of being a smaller business 12:27 franchisee vs private owned aspirations 17:57 Finding employees for the new shop 20:46 Small town connections Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
23:3425/10/2023
10. More Cash In, Less Cash Out: Lowering Your C.O.G.S
Today on The Coffee Experts Club Podcast we are talking about a very important subject: COST OF GOODS SOLD! This is a strategic concept that can help your shop stay profitable even when growth declines. Listen in for some good insight into the minds of The Coffee Experts and learn some more about how you could even take advantage of their experience and expertise at your own shop! Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction 0:48 Drew Moody went to Heaven 6:48 Deals for independent coffee owners 12:48 Be smarter with what you’re paying for 14:54 Understand the trends of your shop Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
24:4018/10/2023
9. Create the Product You Sell with Cody of Roasters Coffee
Today on the Coffee Experts Club podcast Ben and Drew chat with Cordy Anderson, a 100% verified coffee roaster. He shares great insights into what it looks like for coffee shops to roast their own coffee and maybe even get into wholesaling themselves! If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like for your shop or future shop to roast your own coffee, this will be a great episode for you! Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction + Cody’s background 2:33 Roasting by the pound 4:33 Famer and supplier relationships 6:28 What it takes to roast your own coffee 9:00 How to self educate on coffee roasting 10:26 New vs used machines 11:52 Complications in the coffee industry 14:36 Here’s how to get started roasting 17:27 Wholesaling the beans 19:53 Pricing 21:37 Picking a distributor Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
24:2211/10/2023
8. You're Still Using Paper Stamp Cards?!
Every industry has its “best practices” that have been going on for some time and eventually become a sort of poorly functioning relic. The coffee industry is no different. Who is still using stamp cards at their local coffee shop for example? Today the experts talk about the importance of innovation and give some real examples of how allowing innovation to come in has truly helped some shops. And even how that innovation is sometimes pushed back against by old guards sort of mentality. Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction 2:17 Innovation and stamp cards 3:05 Runners 4:16 Ego as an obstacle to innovation 6:01 Innovation can come from listening to your customers 7:50 Happy hour for a boost in the summer slump 14:42 Don’t undervalue loyalty Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
16:3904/10/2023
7. The Successes of Black Rifle Coffee
Drew got a chance to pop into a Black Rifle Coffee while working in Texas. In this episode we break down his insights into the company as well as additional observations from Ben and Aaron. We cover the unique origins and marketing of Black Rifle Coffee and share our outside opinions. Maybe this is a new location you should check out. We'll let everyone decide for themselves. Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction 1:22 Drew visited Black Rifle Coffee 3:12 Running it backwards 4:00 The Black Rifle customer and marketing 7:11 All in on the culture of Black Rifle 8:20 Is less more? 11:21 Walgreens vs Costco Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
13:2427/09/2023
1. Is Your Coffee Shop Profitable?
Welcome to The Coffee Experts Club! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of coffee shop management and share invaluable insights on how to help your coffee shop stay at its most profitable. Join our esteemed panel of coffee connoisseurs and industry veterans as they share their expertise, experiences, and strategies for success. From effective cost management to innovative marketing techniques, this episode covers a wide range of topics that will empower coffee shop owners, managers, and enthusiasts alike. Tune in to The Coffee Experts Club and unlock the secrets to keeping your coffee shop profitable! Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
22:1820/09/2023
6. The University of Coffee with Jordan Angelo
Today on Coffee Experts Club we welcome a special guest, Jordan Angelo who has served in every role from Brista to HR to Regional Manager. She gives us insight into what is really meaningful about being on a coffee team and the experiences of transitioning one role to the next. And how the preparation for life is sometimes best acquired through coffee university. Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction +Welcome Jordan’s path to success 8:40 Giving away responsibilities and taking on new ones 15:17 HR in the coffee world 27:08 Coffee is like a university Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
27:4420/09/2023
5. The Maintenance Necessary to Succeed with Varick Angel
Have you given any thought to the maintenance side of owning or running a coffee shop? Today we chat with Verick Angel of Black Rock Coffee. He oversees facilities, maintenance, contractors and projects for 14 locations. This conversation will open your mind up to all that needs to happen on an ongoing basis to keep your shop running smoothly. Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction + Meet Verick Angel 2:44 All about counter tops 6:24 The most overlooked coffee shop item that’s likely to break 7:56 Dealing with air conditioning units 10:54 Ice machines 12:54 The importance of preventative maintenance 18:04 User error 20:08 Verick’s gold nugget of wisdom Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
22:5120/09/2023
4. Ask the Experts
Today on The Coffee Experts Club the guys open it up for Q&A from club members using their resources to aid their own coffee businesses. Listen in for some good tips that are sure to help you in your own coffee journey! Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
24:0820/09/2023
3. A Coffee Journey - From New Hire to Manager
Today the Coffee Experts chat with Phoenix Woodrich about the joys and journey of moving up the ranks of Coffee Roasters. Phoenix was actually mentored by our own Drew Moody after getting a chance to work at her favorite local coffee spot. Along the way, Phoenix gained a lot of insights into people and how to identify who else deserves a shot at leadership within a company. Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction 0:53 A coffee journey begins 3:42 Getting started as a new barista 12:46 The secrets to an electric culture within your shop 16:24 Best types of interview when hiring 20:20 Growing managers from within 25:24 On the job training as a first time manager 30:06 Last words of wisdom from Phoenix Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
31:2220/09/2023
2. The Secrets of Management at The Human Bean
Today Ben and Drew chat with Tasha Frey, regional manager with The Human Bean Coffee in Reno, NV. She shares with us her insights into managing stores: hiring, firing, etc. If you are interested in advancing your own career in coffee this episode will have great insights for you. Give it a listen and let us know what you think! Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction 2:00 The coffee days of summer 3:01 Dealing with baristas all wanting the same days off 8:44 Pros and cons of headset stands 9:57 Building up to a grand opening 14:13 Giving away drinks as a strategy for new coffee stands 17:14 New trends in coffee 18:11 Uses of a loyalty program 23:29 Other deals and promotions 25:59 Challenges in the coffee industry 35:29 Words of wisdom for new coffee shop owners/operators Become a Coffee Expert! Go here for some of our BEST content on opening your next Location, FOR FREE. Connect with The Coffee Experts Club! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub
37:2320/09/2023