Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shann Bosnell, Founder of Brown Bag Coffee Roasters, located in Gatineau, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Brown Bag Coffee Roasters (BBCR) was founded in February 2017 with the goal of breaking down the barrier to better coffee. Many people who enjoy coffee are looking for the benefits that 3rd wave coffee brings. A focus on origin flavours and sustainability. Yet, they are often intimidated by the culture surrounding 3rd wave-style coffees and cafes. BBCR's goal is to help make 3rd wave coffee more approachable. We do this by having a very inclusive culture, traditional-style coffee flavours, and exceptional pricing for product quality. BBCR just received the award for the 2022 Ottawa/Gatineau Th3rd Wave Coffee Roaster of the Year. This is the 2nd time in a row that we have received this award, and we believe our approach to 3rd wave coffee is resonating well with our community.
Tell us about yourself
Coffee has always been a passion for myself and my family. For many years we were roasting coffee at home on a small 500 grams roaster. In 2016 after working in the IT industry for about a decade, I experienced "job burnout" and was looking for a change. While roasting coffee at home with my wife Dana, she suggested I explore the world of coffee. We started looking at equipment and space in October 2016. By January 2017, we were completely set up and ready to go, with our official launch in February 2017. And, as they say, the rest is history.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of the most enjoyable parts of my business is getting to spend time creating a quality product that our customers enjoy. Coffee is the 2nd most consumed beverage in the world, with only water more consumed. It brings me so much joy to hear how much our product makes our customers' lives better. It feels amazing and drives our whole team to continue to innovate and drive toward the best possible product we can.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think that it goes without saying that being a small business owner at the beginning of 2020 has been a challenge. Two things really stand out, though. As a food product, we have seen unprecedented price increases in raw coffee, packaging, and shipping. Managing these aspects while still staying to our tenant of supplying approachable pricing has been a constant fight. It has also been challenging to find new team members who share our passion for high-quality customer service. In speaking to our business friends, this is not something exclusive to BBCR.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Entrepreneurship can be extremely rewarding for the right people. Those who are risk-averse or are looking at having work be second to life balance likely need not apply. To be successful, you can't look at your business as a job, or you will likely fail. You also need to do a lot of research to ensure the local market has a need for your services. Just being passionate is not enough.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bbcr.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brownbagcoffeeroasters/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownbagcoffeeroasters/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownbagcoffee/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.