Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bill Szeremeta, president of Pedro's Organic Coffee, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Pedro's Organic Coffee, and our secondary company, Meraki Artisan Teas, is a family-owned and operated business born from the increasing demand for high-quality Canadian-produced coffee and tea.
Pedro's Organic Coffee:
Pedro's Organic Coffee has over 30 years of experience in the industry and a passion for a good cup of coffee! Pedro's is primarily recognized for its 30 years of experience in the foodservice industry, serving hotels, restaurants chains, coffee bars, golf courses, and ski resorts throughout Canada. After much success dominating in the foodservice segment, Pedro's decision to break into the retail market to create a heavier brand presence. Since then, we have seen our products shine in retail locations such as London Drugs, Whole Foods, and Choice's Natural Market. Pedro's Organic Coffee focuses on producing small-batch organic coffee while participating in ethical practices to preserve the environment. The direction we're headed is simple– we want a safe future in an environment that is protected. We set a high standard for ourselves and use our family values as a compass.
We promise to continually choose organic and work towards the vision for a cleaner tomorrow. Pedro represents all the hard-working, trusted farmers who grow our high-quality organic coffee beans.
Meraki Artisan Teas:
Meraki Artisan Teas was created from the increasing demand for high-quality, Canadian-produced whole leaf tea at an accessible price. With an emphasis on procuring the highest quality ingredients, Meraki Artisan Teas are responsibly sourced from ethical growers worldwide. Our customers demand a unique, authentic, premium product. Meraki Artisan Teas strives to meet and exceed that demand in every cup. Meraki Artisan Teas comes in biodegradable pouches and recyclable packaging. But most importantly, they offer customers the originality, quality, and experience they're looking for, setting our product apart from competitors. Meraki Artisan Teas produces a wide assortment of teas ranging from black, green, herbal, and our newest segment of functional wellness teas.
Meraki translates into: "Doing something with passion, creativity or love: when you leave a piece of yourself in your work." This phrase represents everything that we put into our handcrafted teas.
You can find Meraki Artisan Teas in your local Whole Foods location!
Tell us about yourself
I first got started in the coffee industry in 1982, working for Hills Brothers coffee in Los Angeles as a national account manager. My stepfamily was already in the coffee industry, owning the world's second-largest coffee manufacturing company, Wilbur Curtis. If I'm being honest, joining this industry was something that felt natural and sort of fell into my lap. I was good at it! Fast forward to now owning my own business for over 30 years. I would say what motivates me daily is having the opportunity to be creative and have fun with it. I get the flexibility to work with amazing accounts and take each creative decision, such as designing our packaging, into my own hands.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
To have stayed in business this long! All jokes aside, my biggest accomplishment would be creating a fun working environment for my staff, having a reputable name that people want to do business with, and constantly evolving with the times. We are always looking in the future and taking note of what we can do better as a company!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
That's a good question. I think my wife and I, with who I own the company, would be leaving the work at the office. Owning your own business, of course, has its pros, but we tend to work 24/7, which can sometimes wear you down. The work never stops!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your homework and talk to as many experts as you can in the industry.
- Be passionate about the work you're doing. It will be a long and challenging road, but if you are passionate about it, it will pay off in the end. Never give up!
- Treat your employees well and work with people you enjoy sitting next to 365 days of the year.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://pedrosorganiccoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pedrosorganic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedrosorganiccoffee/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pedrosorganiccoffee/
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.