Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ben Martinez, founder and owner of Sumato Coffee Co., located in Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Sumato, we believe coffee is best 2-14 days after it's been roasted and drinkable for 30 days after its roast date. Beyond that, it starts becoming stale. We are incredibly concerned with the roast date on your bag of coffee as we want you to have the best coffee possible.
People are the foundation of why we started Sumato. We aim to satisfy your coffee needs by delivering our beans to where you do your life’s most meaningful work - at home OR in an office. Our goal is to reimagine coffee by creating an approachable service that is as simple as it is fresh.
Tell us about yourself
I started Sumato Coffee because I was curious about why some coffee tastes better than others, and I wanted to learn the truth behind the taste of coffee. I get motivated by sharing new and fresh coffee beans with new customers who haven't tried freshly roasted coffee beans. It's exciting to get pictures or hear stories about how good our coffee tastes.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Helping younger workers who are entering the workforce learn valuable skills in technology, marketing, and the science behind coffee. Many of the people who help Sumato Coffee grow are early in their careers, and they are able to work on exciting projects they may not have a chance to experience in other places.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Uncertainty, but I am getting better, being adaptable, and focusing on the things I can control.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Identify a problem to solve and solve it (our problem we are solving is stale coffee in the workplace or home).
- Find good partners/employees who will do whatever it takes to succeed.
- It's never too late to start. It's okay to fail because you will have learned something.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://sumatocoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sumatocoffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sumatocoffee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sumatocoffee
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sumatocoffeecompany
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.
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