Don't Just Drink Coffee. Enjoy It! - Folly Coffee Roasters
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rob Bathe, owner of Folly Coffee Roasters, located in St Louis Park, MN, US.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Folly Coffee Roasters is an award-winning specialty coffee roaster in St. Louis Park, MN. We focus on high-end, single-origin coffee beans and roast to bring out the best natural flavors. It is a wholesale coffee business, roasting and delivering bags to retailers, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, and our online stores.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Rob Bathe, owner of Folly Coffee Roasters. Folly Coffee began with an absolute obsession with specialty coffee. I loved everything about it, from the intricacies of coffee growing/processing, the flavors roasting can bring out of different coffees, and of course, the taste of the final brewed cup of coffee. The obsession with coffee combined with the inspiration to bring great coffee to as many people as possible in an inviting, fun way!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being in business after four years! It has been an absolute grind (pun intended) and a lot of hard work, especially having to deal with the difficulties of 2020. Statistics show that the majority of small businesses fail, but we have managed to stick around and grow thanks to our amazing customers and partners.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part of being a business owner is the work never seems to stop! Because there is always something that needs to be done, it is difficult to take time for yourself to have balance. It is something I've learned to do overtime but definitely took some conscious learning on separating life from work.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Pursue a business you are passionate about. It isn't always fun, but it's a lot easier to stay motivated to pursue a passion.
- Be conscious of how you are spending your time. The most important parts of the business need the most time and focus.
- Read the book Blue Ocean Strategy by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim. It is my favorite marketing book of all time. It gives you a strategy to market and creates items to separate you from the competition.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Support your local small businesses! In most cases, these are people passionate about what they do, and your support keeps it all going!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://follycoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FollyCoffee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/follycoffee/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/follycoffee/
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.