Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kent Collins, Owner of Flying M Coffeehouse, located in Boise, ID, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own the Flying M Coffeehouse in Downtown Boise, Idaho. We've been open since 1992 and just celebrated our 30th Anniversary. We have fiercely loyal customers who have been with us since day one. Since we've been open for so long, we have customers' children who have literally grown up here, first coming here as babies and now bringing their babies in.
Tell us about yourself
I started here as a barista in 1999 and was quickly promoted to manager, and then in 2011, the original owners sold the business to me, so I've worked here for 23 years and owned it for 11 years. I was drawn to apply here because it was such an open and welcoming environment, and I've done everything I can to continue and expand on that feeling.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would have to be making it through the issues that stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic. Things were so uncertain and stressful, yet we managed to keep almost all of our employees and kept our days of operation and hours the same as before.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When you stop to realize that you have almost 20 people's livelihoods in your hands, it can be quite overwhelming at times. In every business decision I make, I have their well-being in mind and try to do my best for them.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- First and foremost, stay true to yourself. Make your business what you want it to be, not what you think other people want it to be. In the end, you'll be more passionate about it, and that will show.
- Don't get too comfortable. It's easy to just sit back and coast, but you should always be trying to do new things to keep the business fresh for your customers and for yourself.
- Your employees are the face of the business and should be treated that way.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.flyingmcoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flyingmcoffeehouse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingmcoffeeboise/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.