Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Olaf Ross, founder of Brick Road Coffee Company, LLC., located in Glen Allen, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Brick Road Coffee concept started during the early COVID pandemic days as a new venture. Having recently moved to West Broad Village in Short Pump, Virginia, I quickly noticed that there were no coffee or cafes in the area. More so, I noticed that the only coffee shop was the Starbucks brand. I have spent many days talking to people around the area and found that they only use Starbucks because of convenience but are not fond of the coffee or the political position. Therefore, I decided to develop a Coffee/Cafe shop that is locally owned and is politically neutral. We are a cafe for everyone, no matter who you are or what your stance. We are all about the joy and love of everything coffee, which makes us great.
Tell us about yourself
I recently came from South Louisiana after developing, owning, and operating seven companies in various industries. There are three large heath clubs, a new ice cream franchise, and the rest in the foodservice industry. I found that my time and energy were spread very thin. I was not able to spend the time with my family and still operate the companies at the needed capacity. My family and I made the decision to sell the ownership and assets to my business partner and move to Virginia. My motivation was first to take care of my family and give them a better quality of life, a safer home, and a better education than we could provide in Louisiana. After some time, I found myself dreaming up business plans and ideas of what will work in our new home. The idea of developing a coffee/cafe shop and a serpent coffee roastery quickly came into view, and here we are today. I wanted a business where I could meet people, build a new network, and enjoy my time at work. I want a good work/home balance that my other businesses could not give.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I developed North Cypress Fitness Center in Hammond, La, from an idea on paper to an 80,000 square foot resort health club with pools, tennis courts, track, playgrounds, etc.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
First, I will say that business partnerships are the most difficult in any business. This is a very difficult balance and one that should never be taken lightly. There are so many challenges with this business style and personally one that I will never do again. For years, I have heard that partnerships are a bad idea and never work, but I discounted that notion for more than 25 years. Not long after that, I learned that it was true and that it is devastating and very painful when a partnership goes bad.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, do your business on your own. There are plenty of great organizations out there that will help you without ever owning one percent of your business. But if you do, please take the time to have a good attorney draw up iron-clad operation and business agreements. Next, make sure that the person you partner with is who they say they are. Research them to the nines. If your partner is not good (professionally, ethically, and personally), then you will lose everything when it turns bad. Lastly, I believe in faith, and faith will take you to places you never thought of. Know that what you are doing is going to serve others in a way that you would want to be served.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am a Christian, and I believe that I have succeeded because God blessed me. I trust that he directs my steps so that if I believe in him, I will not stumble. In everything I do, it is for his glory.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BestCoffeeRVA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brick-road-coffee-company/
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.
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