Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christian Waskiewicz, president, and CEO of Alpen Sierra Coffee Roasting Co., located in Minden, NV, USA.

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

Our business is enriching peoples' lives! We do this by creating delicious coffee. Through the purchase and practice of sustainability, we seek to provide the highest and best quality return to the farmers at origin, who are working hard, raising families, and providing the world with a beloved beverage. Sourcing Fair Trade Organic, Rainforest Alliance, and Cafe Femenino 100% certified coffees enables us to support the three pillars of sustainability, environment, social and economic, in a verifiable manner. Our customers in their homes begin the day with rich, sweet, and satisfying coffees. Our partners in food service enhance their offerings and the guest's experience with Alpen Sierra's Mountain Roasted specialty coffee.

Tell us about yourself

Coffee creates community globally and locally. During my university studies, I became part of a coffeehouse community, which was very inspiring. I eventually worked in the coffeehouse and fell in love with the business. Following graduation and a year traveling abroad, during which I experienced an entrepreneurial epiphany, I returned to my beloved Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California to create that strong sense of community through building a successful coffee roasting company with traditional coffeehouses for our community to gather, converse, explore, debate, grow, and love. Serving people is what motivates me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is still thriving in a business and profession I enjoy and love after thirty-plus years.

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

At the end of the day, regardless of the size of your team and the balance in your bank account, it all falls on your shoulders as a business owner to keep the wheels turning. Many people are counting on us!

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

  1. Do your homework! Write a business plan. Do a competition profile. Trust the findings and numbers - they do not lie.
  2. Be honest with yourself. Are you ready to work ninety hours a week? Are you prepared to shed blood, sweat, and tears? Trust your gut. If it does not seem right to you, then it's most likely not right for you.
  3. Get it in writing and read that writing. This applies to everything you do. Contracts, loans, etc. No one out there is looking out for your best interest. That is your responsibility. Ensure that agreements are detailed, including time frames, and accurate to your needs and expectations!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Owning a business will require great sacrifice, but the rewards outweigh any sacrifices made. You may not become monetarily rich, but the eventual free time you can earn is worth more than gold.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://alpensierracoffee.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpensierracoffee/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-waskiewicz-2137a023/

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.