22. Brewing Resilience: Drew Davis Unveils the Soul of Renowned Flat Caps

In this episode of Coffee Experts Club, the guys sit down with Drew Davis, an international coffee enthusiast with a deep history in the world of coffee. Drew shares his journey, starting from his days in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, where he and his wife stumbled upon a vibrant community of kids in a park during their honeymoon backpacking trip. This experience led to the birth of a hub called "The Basement," later evolving into "Flat Caps," a renowned training ground for barista champions in the UK. As Drew recounts their humble beginnings—climbing 88 stairs to their first coffee shop, dealing with trash in a warehouse, and relying on Folgers coffee for their community—the conversation delves into the evolution of their journey. From their move to the US, running an orphanage in Mexico, to finally settling in Tennessee with just a thousand dollars a month, Drew reflects on their remarkable story of resilience and growth. The hosts explore the dynamics of the coffee business, discussing the challenges of balancing ministry-driven beginnings with the demands of running a successful enterprise. Drew shares insights into their growth, the challenges of expanding, and the significance of nurturing a positive workplace culture, emphasizing the delicate balance between professionalism and maintaining a genuine, relational vibe. As they touch on the increasing competition in the local market, influenced by the entry of major players like Dutch Bros, the conversation steers toward the impact of energy drinks in their coffee shops. Drew and the guys dissect the evolving customer preferences, the challenges of competition, and the importance of creating a unique, local appeal in the face of big chains. Throughout the episode, Drew's journey becomes a testament to the power of community-building, perseverance, and adapting to change while staying true to the roots of their coffee culture. The episode is not just about coffee; it's a narrative of resilience, innovation, and the intricate balance between business, community, and passion. Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction and the story of Newcastle 4:14 How they started with selling Folgers  7:11 A journey of ministry and coffee 11:04 Competition in the area 12:13 A wave of energy drinks 15:58 People really gravitate towards local 18:27 Retaining people has a lot to do with how you treat them