Warm Cup, Comfy Chairs, Friendly Faces

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joe Young, owner of Scuttlebutts Coffee, located in Hutchinson, KS, USA.

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

We are a locally owned self-inspired coffee shop and bakery. We pride ourselves on providing the WOW factor in all we do. From Customer Service to the products we serve at affordable prices that allow customers to return and bring a friend.

Tell us about yourself

I've been in the food industry for over 40 years. Being in the coffee industry is unlike anything I've ever done before, from locally roasted beans to our fresh and delicious homemade pastries. Our customers are very much like our family to us, and it continues to grow. I've always wanted to manage a business the way I thought would provide value to employees and customers. We provide an atmosphere that anyone can enjoy. We operate in one of the most beautiful buildings in town. Clayworks provides services to those in need of different learning abilities. We help draw customers to show off wonderful works of art. It's a total win-win.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

After six months of being opened at our Main Street location, we were asked to open a second coffee shop in the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. They had never had a coffee shop before. They wanted to provide a service that would reflect quality products and an inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy. Currently, we have been there for six years.

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

Tryin to be something to everyone. It's impossible, but we try. After three years of operations, we figured out that we would scale back and provide the best coffee and pastry products possible. This wasn't easy for customers to understand at first. I feel we have found our lane, and we will continue to stay on our path to do the best we can as we continue to grow.

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

It's doesn't happen as fast as you would like, never. Get a mentor and be prepared to listen to the advice of someone that's been around the block. They offer valuable information, so you don't end up recreating the wheel. Marketing is so important! In the beginning and throughout your day-to-day operations. Track and monitor where and what works for you and your business. Hire the best people and treat them well. They need to be your support system. If they sing your praises and believe and support your ideas. You have a world-class team that will represent you to all that pass thru your doors. It's not always about pay. Creating a culture that allows them to feel trusted and not be micro-managed is not that hard to do with the right people. I have so many other things to add to this, but I'm sure that's for another time.

Be true to yourself and allow time to be on your side when you open a business. It will take time to establish/brand yourself within the marketplace. Look at the city plan for development and see if there is a need for your service. Will you be able to hire the right amount of quality staff to get the job done? Love what you do and share it with others. Stay passionate to always work with a moral compass, and you'll be in a better place to look your customers and employees in the eye. Respect works both ways.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://scuttlebuttscoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScuttlebuttsCoffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scuttlebutts_at_theclayworks/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-young-727b1738/

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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