We Grow It, You Enjoy It

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brandon Pena, president of 787 Coffee, located in New York, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

787 Coffee is a farm-to-cup experience that is driven by human connection and the power of community. We transport the beans lovingly harvested at our farm, Hacienda Illuminada, located in Maracao, Puerto Rico, to our three coffee shops in Puerto Rico. By the end of 2022, twenty-five coffee shops in New York City! Our customers and team members are some of the coolest humans New York and Puerto Rico have to offer. Each shop is community-driven, often containing community libraries, showcasing the work of local artists, or hosting small gatherings for the humans that give them a job every day.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Brandon Ivan Pena. I am motivated by my community, and I am dedicated to serving it the way it has served me. Having always been an avid lover of coffee, my decision to become a coffeepreneur unfolded naturally. I wanted to give the humans of New York a chance to enjoy coffee harvested in Puerto Rico, which accounts for only 1% of coffee distribution worldwide. My desire to share this gift with my communities is what keeps me focused, looking for ways to expand my knowledge, team, and my business. I could not do what I do without the humans I have around me, be it members of my team or the customers that give us a job every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The pandemic was a stressful time for everyone. While I was no exception, I decided that I would not let this get in the way of my goal to serve my community. With safety foremost in mind, I stayed focused and built upon the pre-existing team I had in place. Through sheer determination, understanding, and connection, we were able to expand 787 throughout the pandemic. I am so proud of what we have done and equally proud that my team and I are not done expanding!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

As a business owner, there are always going to be highs and lows. As a leader myself, I make it a point to get to know as many members of my team as possible, regardless of their position in the company. In a way, the connection I have to my coworkers can make the lows hurt more because I go to work every day knowing my team relies on the company so that they can make a living and pursue their own dreams. This pushes me to work harder and expand.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Do Not Compromise Your Vision: there is a reason you want to pursue a path of your own, do not let doubt get in the way! You have a vision, a dream. Only YOU can communicate this dream to others and make it a reality.
Surround Yourself With Humans You Trust: Having a close-knit, reliable team around you is a must as a business owner. When hiring, make sure you connect on a personal level. Workdays can run long; it’s better to spend time with people you like and trust!
Always Evolve: Do not let initial struggles or even success allow you to become complacent. As entrepreneurs, we should always be on the lookout for what’s next in our industries. Progress is inevitable, don’t resist it. Evolve with it!

For Humans by Humans! Focus on the things that really matter!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://787coffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soybrandonivan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soybrandonivan/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/soybrandonivan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonpena/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.