079: Brian Helfrich - CEO at Summit Coffee Company

Here we are at episode 79 and I have a great guest for you. Brian Helfrich is the CEO at Summit Coffee Company based in Davidson. Summit Coffee just celebrated its 23rd year in business. In addition to the flagship shop located in the heart of downtown Davidson, Summit is a coffee roaster with distribution to 35 states currently. They began expanding the brand through franchise sales in 2020, and currently there are seven cafes in North Carolina with several more in development. During our conversation, Brian shares the mission of the company to expand thoughtfully and make sure that their cafes are always locally owned and operated. The company is committed to expanding through a franchise model without deviating from their core values. Brian shares those values during our talk.We talk at length about the emergence of young, smart, entrepreneurial talent in the town of Davidson during the past decade, and how Davidson has become sort of a headquarters in the Lake Norman area for entrepreneurial networking and collaboration.Brian gives some shoutouts to a few of the great entrepreneurs in Davidson, as well as some sage advice for those who aspire to embark on their own entrepreneurial journey. Listeners, I’m glad you’re here. This is an episode you’ll not want to miss. So, lean in, and get to know Brian Helfrich, CEO of Summit Coffee Company.Summit CoffeeSummit Coffee - Basecamp128 S. Main StreetDavidson, NC  28036Shoutouts to these local businesses:Kindred - Davidson - Featured in Episode 31 of the PodcastMain Street Books - DavidsonDavidson Wine Co. - Featured in Episode 14 of the PodcastThe Jay Hurt Hub - Featured in Episode 67 of the PodcastDavidson Provision Company - Featured in Episode 68 of the PodcastOur Email newsletter sponsor this week is Carolina Gourmet in Mooresville! Get to know Chef Peter Olsacher in Episode 69 of the Podcast.Books recommended:Oh, the Places You’ll Go!By Dr. SeussSetting the TableBy Danny MeyerRadical CandorBy Kim ScottThis Is MarketingBy Seth GodinPodcasts:The Bill Simmons Podcast - The RingerHow I Built This with Guy RazEntrepreneurs On Fire PodcastSupport the show