From a Sinking Ship to a Successful Shop

I got a job as a barista at a coffee shop and shortly made inroads with the owner, discovering that she was deeply underwater on the business and looking for a change. I was interested in opening my own coffee shop, so I decided to purchase part of the business from her, and go on to purchase the remainder the following year.

While saving the coffee shop from going under, I built a community around the shop. The coffee shop became a neighborhood institution. I learned everything I could about running a profitable business. One major point is developing a brand that customers love. I rebranded the business and developed brand loyalty that grew repeat business and allowed me to command higher prices.

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After the successful launch of the new brand, reducing expenses, doubling sales, and training a high-qualified staff, I decided to exit the business.

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I love helping other business owners with their struggles, and overcome hurdles together. I created Coffee Shop Keys to be a place where people who own or aspire to own coffee shops can learn the lessons I spent time, effort, heartache, and money learning.

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-Tom