EPISODE · Jun 5, 2024 · 55 MIN
Ross Street Roasting with Brian Gumm: Build and Scale: Focus on Growth, Not the Grind.
from The Business of Whats Next · host Brian Gumm
Key Insights:Hire professionals like an accountant early on to handle finances rather than trying to do it yourself. Develop close relationships with suppliers for high-quality, unique coffee sourcing.Meet customers where they are by offering a variety of roast styles and blends. Use loyalty programs and subscriptions to incentivize repeat direct-to-consumer sales.Physical location can necessitate an e-commerce focus from the beginning. Distancing from daily operations allows focus on scaling through commercial sales and business growth.Transparent, regular communication is important for remote management success.Appreciate the full spectrum of coffee quality through different experiences. Brian GummLinkedInFacebookRoss Street RoastingPromotion: Use "Nicaragua 20 off" for listeners to get 20% off the single-origin Nicaraguan coffee from the website.FacebookInstagram Connect with the HostMatthew ShippBe a GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewshipp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjshipp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emberisolutionsEmberi Solutions: https://emberisolutions.com/Buy me a coffee ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/mattshipp
What this episode covers
In this episode, we talk with Brian Gum, founder and owner of Ross Street Roasting, a specialty coffee roasting business based in Iowa. Brian discusses how he started Ross Street Roasting as a hobby and side business before growing it into a successful independent operation over nine years. He shares insights into sourcing high-quality coffee beans through close relationships with producers, uniquely roasting each coffee to develop distinctive blends, and engaging customers through e-commerce and loyalty programs. Brian also explores the challenges of scaling operations, commercial sales, and managing a growing business while physically distancing from day-to-day operations. The interview provides lessons for coffee entrepreneurs on building a specialty coffee brand from the ground up.
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Ross Street Roasting with Brian Gumm: Build and Scale: Focus on Growth, Not the Grind.
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