Hope's 21-year-old Coffee Shop - Blue Moose Coffee House

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wes Bergmann, owner of Blue Moose Coffee House, located in Hope, BC, Canada.

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

We are a coffee house centered around people. For me, it's always about people, whether it's the customers or the staff who work here.

Tell us about yourself

Maybe different than others, I started a coffee house because "I wanted to get paid for talking to people." Coffee and food are very important, but for me, what keeps me motivated is, first of all, the people. Of course, I enjoy other aspects of the business world. But a little secret, I'm not really a foodie.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Going against what people said. That as a coffee house in downtown Hope, BC, I could not survive. Twenty-one years later, here I am. I had a business plan, and we accomplished what we set out to do.

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

One of the hardest yet most rewarding things about being a business owner is the staffing. Being consistent with our values and policies yet being able to see everyone as an individual. Especially when hiring a lot of youth. The importance of delegation in order to maintain one's own sanity and health.

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

Understand who you are, don't listen to your friends, and stay humble.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Understanding money is a tool that we use to get to our goals. It's not the end-all.

Where can people find you and your business?

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.