Founder Friday! w/ Amos Gillespie of Wheelhouse Coffee, Kentville, Nova Scotia, CA episode artwork

EPISODE · May 29, 2026 · 47 MIN

Founder Friday! w/ Amos Gillespie of Wheelhouse Coffee, Kentville, Nova Scotia, CA

from Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders

The best coffee businesses are built on solid values, local community, and small consistent steps taken toward deeper connection through hospitality and excellence in the product. The story of Wheelhouse Coffee is one that demonstrates the power of intentional people-first work over time and what happens when you make growth a conversation with those your serve.  I am thrilled to get to talk with the founder of Wheelhouse Coffee in Nova Scotia, CA, Amos Gillespie! Wheelhouse Coffee began with an eight-year-old Amos sharing morning coffee with his dad. By 17, that simple joy had grown into a coffee dream. After an espresso machine, a barista job, and a life-changing Portland coffee show, Amos launched Wheelhouse in 2018. However, being a single owner with a small sample roaster and a full-time job became increasingly challenging. In 2020, after a beautiful summer wedding, he and his wife set out to grow Wheelhouse together. From basement beginnings to a thriving café, their journey is driven by their love for coffee and the people they serve. We discuss: How Amos Was Introduced to Coffee Beginning and Building Confidence in Roasting Navigating Stagnation The Shift Towards a Coffee Business Feedback and Growth in Coffee Roasting Understanding Customer Relationships The Move To Opening a Coffee Shop Balancing Vision with Financial Realities Building Relationships with Customers Advice for Aspiring Cafe Owners KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING + COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  [email protected] of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes:  476: Founder Friday! The Story of Story Coffee w/ Don Niemyer of Story Coffee Co. 391 : Founder Friday! w/ Megan Wilson of Spuds Coffee in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 145: Founder Friday w/ Red Rooster Coffee Roasters co-founder, Haden Polseno-Hensley  

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Founder Friday! w/ Amos Gillespie of Wheelhouse Coffee, Kentville, Nova Scotia, CA

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