Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Todd Madlener, president and COO of Coolgreens, located in North Palm Beach, FL, USA.

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

Coolgreens is a down-the-line salad forward, fast-casual restaurant chain serving a chef-inspired menu of signature salads, wraps, grain bowls, and sandwiches. We are a premium brand offering 35-40 freshly prepared vegetables, fruits, proteins, grains, and ten made from scratch dressings. Guests who love Coolgreens often visit for fresh-made offerings that help them feel better and keep doing the things they love.

Tell us about yourself

I spent the bulk of my career in the corporate world, working with a large publicly traded restaurant company. I have only recently realized how rewarding your life could be when you own your own business. I am driven to serve our guests, both internal and external. Making a positive impact in the lives of our team members is my North Star.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Finding ways to navigate the last two years has been the most difficult and rewarding time of my career. Our teams worked passionately to continue making a positive impact in our communities, and we were able to maintain all our staffing levels, not losing anyone in the company due to pandemic-related challenges both from a business and health standpoint.

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

Learning to savor the successes and accomplishments just long enough to keep you going while you realize that you can never be satisfied or stop working on yourself or your business. If you and your business are not growing, you risk being overtaken by your competition.

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

  1. Start or purchase a business that you are passionate about.
  2. Work every day to take care of the people who care for you.
  3. Raise or have 25-50% more capital than you think you need to launch your business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being a leader is hard yet incredibly rewarding. I have come to realize that a leader is someone who can take people to a place that they would not or could not go by themselves.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://coolgreens.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Coolgreens/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolgreenseatery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coolgreens/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-madlener/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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