Building an Unconventional Business: How to Take Risks and Define Your Own Success with Dan Barletta | E18

Dan Barletta is one of the founders and owners of the mobile cafe, The Jitter Bus.  Serving the New Haven community for almost 8 years now, the blacked out bus with artwork on it is a familiar site to locals.  An idea that came from witnessing a ice cream truck and a love for coffee, The Jitter Bus started out as a simple idea.  Through some hard work, perseverance, and learning some hard lessons, The Jitter Bus has become a staple downtown New Haven. In this episode we talk about Dan's struggle with college and how a coffee shop on wheels gave him a purpose.  We discuss what it was like to bring the idea to fruition, how they survived the pandemic, and their future plans of expanding to a brick and mortar coffee shop.  We covered a lot in this episode but what I didn't mention was how good their dirty chai lattes are.  If you've never had coffee from The Jitter Bus, you need to go check them out!     ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way📍 Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 00:56 Dan’s Background: Growing Up & College Experience02:39 Discovering Coffee Shops & Early Work Experiences05:08 The Birth of the Jitterbus Idea6:28 Starting the Business & Launching Kickstarter07:25 Choosing a Bus & The Build-Out Process08:58 Forming the Partnership & Business Planning10:29 Navigating City Regulations & Finding a Location11:29 The First Year in Business: Challenges & Lessons Learned13:43 Building a Following & Early Marketing Efforts16:47 Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic19:56 Returning to Business: Recovery & Student Impact21:28 Adapting to Seasonal Shifts & Event Work22:20 The Farmers Market Opportunity24:45 Seven Years in Business – Reflections & Growth25:33 Making the Leap: Going Full-Time with Jitterbus27:19 Plans for the Future: Brick & Mortar Dreams28:38 Finding Support & Resources: Small Business Development32:31 Real Estate in New Haven & Finding the Right Location33:13 Dan’s Role in Business Finances34:18 Hiring, Company Culture & Looking Ahead36:03 Defining Success & Finding Purpose39:16 Where to Find the Jitterbus & Closing Remarks 💡Key TakeawaysIn this episode you'll learn:How to start an unconventional businessHow to define your own successHow to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurshipHow to build a brick and mortar coffee shopHow to run a business with your friends   🚀 Start Here If You’re New1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 452. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 483. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39 👥How To ConnectWorkingtowardsourpurpose.comWatch on YouTubeSubstackInstagramLinkedInWTOP MerchFeedback Form WTOP.comConnect with The Jitter Bus:The bus can be found on corner of Hillhouse Ave. and Grove St. in downtown New Haven M-F and the Wooster Sq. farmers markets Sat morningsFollow The Jitter Bus on IGthejitterbus.com