The Coffee Experts Club Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Coffee Experts Club Podcast

Evandigital Content

Leisure

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 133

Welcome to the Coffee Experts Club! If you're anything like us, then you've taken what could have been just a job and appreciated it enough to make it a calling. Coffee is at the center of communities, economies and most people's mornings. Being a coffee professional can allow you to be a stable presence in the lives of many, but it also comes with a lot of hard work and a lot of variables that need to be figured out in order to deliver that perfect cup every day. Aaron, Drew and Ben have over 25 years of combined experience in the coffee industry and they are still helping major coffee brands today with their daily operations and opening of new locations. Come join these experts as they have in depth conversations about: opening new locations, managing people, sourcing products, business strategies and pitfalls and a whole lot more. And when you're ready to make this world your own, let us help you open up YOUR FIRST COFFEE DRIVE THRU! www.myfirstdrivethru.coffee FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub

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Score global : 58%

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87. Key Vendors - When and How to Replace Them

Episode 87

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 • Duration 21:42

SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron, Ben, and Drew dive into the critical topic of managing key vendor relationships and knowing when and how to replace them. They explore the challenges of scaling with vendors who may no longer meet your business needs due to rising costs, declining quality, or strained relationships. The discussion emphasizes the importance of intentional decision-making to avoid chaos when switching vendors, highlighting the risks of knee-jerk reactions and the "unknown evils" of new partnerships. Key points include regularly reviewing vendor costs (every six months), addressing sneaky price increases, and evaluating operational professionalism. The guys share real-world examples, like milk rotation issues and negotiating storage solutions, to illustrate the need for clear communication, coaching vendors to improve, and creating win-win scenarios. They also stress the importance of documenting processes, outlining pain points, and preparing your team for transitions to ensure smooth operations. Finally, they advise handling vendor changes respectfully, keeping doors open for future collaboration. Minute by Minute:

0:00 Introduction

4:15 Costs above all else

8:38 Have you tried to coach up your vendor?

14:33 Have you outlined the pain points

17:04 Get it out of your brain

19:49 How to rip that bandaid off

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86. Is There Ever a Good Time to Open a Cafe?

Episode 86

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 • Duration 24:40

SUMMARY:

Join hosts Aaron, Ben and Drew for a lively discussion on the latest trends in the coffee industry and a heated debate about the merits of cafes versus drive-throughs. In this episode, the conversation turns personal as Aaron and Drew, business partners behind the first drive-through coffee shop in Belize, spar over the value of cafes versus drive-throughs. Drew, a former cafe manager, champions the community and relational benefits of cafes, sharing stories of customer connections and intangible brand loyalty. Aaron counters with a financial perspective, highlighting the efficiency, lower overhead, and scalability of drive-throughs. Ben, the voice of reason, offers a balanced view, suggesting that a cafe can serve as a community anchor and marketing tool after establishing three or four profitable drive-throughs. Packed with insights from years of experience managing top-tier coffee shops like Roasters and BlackRock, this episode explores the operational, financial, and emotional trade-offs of each model. Whether you’re an independent coffee shop owner or a coffee enthusiast, this episode will help you weigh the pros and cons of cafes and drive-throughs for your next venture. Resources Mentioned:

Coffee Experts Academy: 35 modules of in-depth coffee shop business training at coffeeexpertsacademy.com
My First Drive Through: Free masterclass on launching a drive-through coffee business at myfirstdrivethru.coffee

Tune in next week for more expert insights on the Coffee Experts Club Podcast! Minute by Minute:

0:00 introduction

2:53 What Starbucks is up to lately

5:04 Drive thru vs cafe

9:44 Whey Ben agrees with both drive-thru and cafe

14:53 We would never justify a cafe without a drive-thru

19:38 The reason to shoot for 3 or 4 drive-thrus

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85. The Art and Science Behind Staffing New Coffee Locations

Episode 85

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 • Duration 22:03

SUMMARY:

In this lively episode of The Coffee Experts Club Podcast, Aaron and Ben dive into the art of staffing for new coffee shop locations, sharing hard-earned lessons from opening dozens of stores. With spring bringing a wave of grand openings for their clients, the duo explores how to build a winning team for a new location. They discuss the importance of balancing veteran and new baristas (aiming for at least a 50/50 split), assessing a location’s traffic potential, and avoiding the costly mistake of gutting profitable stores to staff new ones. From crafting ascension plans for assistant managers to ensuring high-volume shops have seasoned leaders, Aaron and Ben offer practical strategies to set up new locations for success while protecting existing cash cows. Packed with actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for coffee entrepreneurs planning new openings or refining their staffing strategy. Visit myfirstdrivethru.coffee for a free masterclass on launching new locations, and connect with Aaron and Ben on social media for tailored insights to fuel your coffee business growth. Tune in for a blend of humor, wisdom, and operational expertise! Minute by Minute:

0:00 Introduction

3:08 Not everything has to fall on you

5:16 Let’s think differently about starting a new location

7:03 The magic behind a good location hiring

12:00 Veteran to brand new barista ratio

16:47 Having a training system for assistant managers

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84. Fear and Risk Taking in the Coffee Business

Episode 84

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 • Duration 21:18

SUMMARY:

In this episode, Ben and Aron tackle the essential topic of bravery in entrepreneurship, specifically for those venturing into the coffee industry. They explore how fear can be the biggest obstacle to starting a coffee business and share practical strategies to overcome it. From finding a balanced business partner to setting clear benchmarks and ripcord moments, they discuss how to make calculated risks rather than reckless decisions. The guys emphasize the importance of grounding choices in verified metrics, avoiding "back of the napkin" calculations, and developing "bookshelf strategies" to prepare for worst-case scenarios. With insights from their own experiences and a nod to Coffee Experts Academy, they offer a roadmap for aspiring coffee shop owners to navigate challenges with confidence. Tune in for actionable advice, a shoutout to Houdini Coffee Roasters, and a reminder that you don’t have to go it alone in the tight-knit coffee community. For more resources, check out the free Myfirstdrivethru.coffee masterclass or connect with the team at Coffee Experts Academy! Minute by Minute:

0:00 Introduction

4:11 You will experience fear

6:49 Balance your riskiness out with the right partner

8:24 Have some baselines for risk

10:39 Numbers don’t lie

15:26 Bookshelf strategies

18:28 Having the right people behind you

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83. Why You Need to Surround Yourself with Smart People

Episode 83

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 • Duration 23:02

In this episode:

In this episode, Ben and Aaron explore the vital role of surrounding yourself with skilled professionals to successfully scale a coffee shop business. They discuss the unique challenges faced by fiercely independent coffee shop owners who bootstrap their ventures, celebrating the resilience required while addressing the limitations of going it alone. From hiring a CPA for tax management to delegating operational tasks, Ben and Aaron share actionable strategies to free up mental space, enabling owners to focus on growth and innovation. Tune in for practical insights on building a team of experts, leveraging tools like the "Wheel of Professionals" and the "Delegate and Elevate" framework, and preparing for the complexities of expanding to multiple locations. Summary of Main Points:

The Power of Resilience and Its Limits: Coffee shop owners are often fiercely independent and scrappy, bootstrapping their businesses with grit and determination. While this resilience is essential, it can become a hindrance when owners try to handle everything alone, limiting growth potential.
The Need for Experts: Surrounding yourself with professionals, such as CPAs, bookkeepers, or operational managers, is crucial for scaling. These experts handle specialized tasks, like taxes or workflows, allowing owners to focus on strategic growth.
Mental Real Estate and Delegation: Delegating tasks that don’t require an owner’s unique skills frees up mental and emotional energy. Tools like the "Delegate and Elevate" framework help identify what to offload, enabling owners to focus on high-impact areas.
The Wheel of Professionals: Building a network of experts, or a "Wheel of Professionals," ensures all aspects of the business are covered, from accounting to HR, helping owners address pain points and scale effectively.
Scaling Beyond One Location: To grow past one or two locations, owners must replicate themselves by hiring and training capable staff, creating systems, and investing in professionals to manage the increasing complexity of multiple shops.
Practical First Steps: Identify the highest pain points (e.g., messy finances or time spent on bar), find affordable experts (local CPAs, interns, or consultants), and prioritize long-term growth over short-term cost savings.

82. The Value of Doing a Climate Check on Your Coffee Business

Episode 82

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 • Duration 17:29

SUMMARY:

In this lively episode, Ben and Aaron share their insights on keeping a coffee business vibrant through regular "climate checks." The duo dives into the heart of any successful operation: the people. Ben and Aaron stress that a business isn’t just about profit margins or marketing campaigns—it’s built on relationships with employees, managers, vendors, and partners, all of whom need consistent attention to keep things running smoothly. You will also learn about quarterly check-ins as a way to maintain these critical relationships, sharing lessons learned from the tumultuous summer of 2020 when neglecting team communication led to frustration and unrest among their staff. They introduce the EOS 5-5-5 system, a straightforward framework for evaluating alignment with the company’s mission, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and tracking progress on key projects. By scheduling these check-ins, documenting discussions, and addressing issues early, business owners can prevent small problems from snowballing into major crises. Ben and Aaron also touch on the value of third-party perspectives, like those from their CoLab team, to navigate tough decisions and maintain healthy partnerships. For listeners ready to strengthen their own businesses, the hosts offer a free tool and video on conducting effective quarterly check-ins—just drop "quarterly check" on their socials to access these resources and start building a more connected, resilient team. Points Discussed:

People-Centric Approach: Success in business relies on nurturing relationships with employees, managers, vendors, and partners, not just focusing on financials or operations.
Quarterly Check-Ins: Regular evaluations, using tools like the EOS 5-5-5 system, help align teams, clarify roles, and address issues early to prevent escalation.
Lessons from 2020: The hosts reflect on past mistakes during the pandemic, where a lack of communication led to team discontent, emphasizing the need for consistent check-ins.
External Support: Seeking third-party perspectives can help navigate challenges and maintain healthy business relationships.

* Actionable Resource: Listeners can access a free tool and video for quarterly check-ins by messaging "quarterly check" on the podcast’s social channels.

81. Choosing the Right POS System at the Right Time for Your Coffee Shop

Episode 81

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 • Duration 26:29

SUMMARY:

In this episode, Drew and Ben dive into the essential topic of selecting the right Point of Sale (POS) system for your coffee shop. Whether you're launching a new drive-thru or scaling up with multiple locations, Drew and Ben break down the pros and cons of popular POS systems, with a focus on Square and Toast, to help you make an informed choice. Drew shares real-world insights on how Square’s reporting tracks sales trends and supports digital loyalty programs, making it a solid starting point. But as shops grow, the conversation shifts to when it’s time to upgrade. Enter Toast—a robust option for multi-location shops needing advanced features like employee management, offline mode, and seamless integrations with delivery platforms like DoorDash and GrubHub. From avoiding the chaos of complex systems to ensuring your POS supports fast order processing and inventory tracking, this episode is packed with practical advice. Key considerations include ease of setup, reliable reporting, digital loyalty integration, and remote management capabilities to keep your shop running smoothly, even when you’re sipping coffee on a beach somewhere. Key Takeaways:

Start Simple with Square: Ideal for new shops with its free software, competitive 2.6% + $0.15 transaction fees, and intuitive design that reduces barista panic.
Upgrade to Toast for Scale: Perfect for 3+ locations, offering handheld hardware, KDS integration, and delivery app connectivity to streamline operations.
Must-Have Features: Prioritize easy setup, sales reporting, digital loyalty, and remote access to keep your business flexible and customer-focused.
Inventory Tip: Stick to basic POS inventory tracking for drinks and ingredients unless you’re managing complex supply chains.

Tune in for a lively discussion filled with frontline barista stories and expert tips to help you choose a POS system that grows with your coffee shop dreams. Minute by Minute:

0:00 Introduction

2:42 Square, a low barrier to entry

7:57 Loyalty and marketing via Square

13:28 Comparing popular

17:05 Moving to that next tier of POS

80. Navigating the Different Seasons of Business in Coffee

Episode 80

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 • Duration 22:58

SUMMARY:

Join hosts Aaron, Drew, and Ben as they brew up a lively discussion about the ever-changing seasons of running a coffee business, with a focus on the drive-thru game. Whether you’re dreaming of your first stand, bootstrapping a startup, or scaling to multiple locations, the trio shares wisdom from their ventures in the U.S. and Belize. They explore how strategies evolve over time—think of it like outgrowing your fifth-grade pants—and emphasize the importance of setting milestones to guide your growth, from hiring and equipment to property decisions. The hosts dive into three key areas: when to bring on staff like a regional manager, whether to stick with used gear or invest in new machines, and how to balance leasing versus buying land without stunting your progress. They highlight cash flow as a critical indicator, warn against overspending or getting stuck in startup mode, and unpack the X factor—those curveballs like market copycats that demand flexibility. With real talk from their own journey, they reveal how cutting costs early (think Square POS and second-hand equipment) can pave the way for strategic investments later. Tune in for practical tips on multiplying revenue through smart moves like delivery or new product lines, all while keeping that rebellious coffee spirit alive. This episode blends humor, stories, and actionable advice to help you pour your passion into a thriving business, no matter the season. Visit myfirstdrivethru.coffee for more insights and expert guidance to fuel your coffee dreams! Minute by Minute:

0:00 Introduction

4:11 Cashflow in different stages of your business

9:42 Looking at your stage holistically

15:30 Don’t get too married to your plan

18:29 Looking for ways to grow revenue

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79. Building a New Coffee Location - The Good, The Bad, and The Battle-Tested

Episode 79

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 • Duration 22:45

SUMMARY:

Drew and Aaron dive into the exhilarating, yet challenging world of opening a new coffee shop location. The duo shares their real-time experiences, fresh from the frontlines of their latest build-out. From navigating unexpected airport delays to managing the stresses of construction, they’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to expand a coffee business. The duo has opened spots for themselves, roasters, and clients—sometimes two in a single year—and they’ve learned a thing or two along the way. Expect candid insights on choosing the right contractor (hint: it’s not always about the cheapest bid), crafting a solid plan with their battle-tested checklist, and setting realistic timelines that keep everyone accountable. They’ll also unpack the importance of weekly check-ins, mutual respect, and building relationships that benefit both sides—because a happy contractor means a smoother project. Whether you’re dreaming of your first coffee shop or wrangling the chaos of an existing business, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Plus, they’re offering a free New Location Checklist—drop a request in their socials—and a no-cost masterclass at myfirstdrivethru.coffee to help you level up. Tune in for the highs, lows, and everything in between as The Coffee Experts Club keeps it real about growing a coffee empire, one location at a time. Minute by Minute:

O:00 Introduction

2:22 Dreaming about starting a new location

6:33 Your contractor, the first thing

11:50 Don’t forget to come up with DATES and EXPECTATIONS

13:04 Weekly check-in times

15:07 R-E-S-P-E-C-T

20:34 We’re ultimately serving the community

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78. The Problems and Possibilities with Having a Business Partner

Episode 78

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 • Duration 26:00

SUMMARY:

This week, the trio dives into the power of partnerships. Aaron and Drew, 50/50 partners for three years, unpack the highs and lows of their collaboration, from complementary skill sets to mutual respect that keeps their friendship first and business second. They weigh the pros and cons of partnering with a spouse versus an outside collaborator, offering candid insights on why their dynamic works—and why it might not for everyone. Ben chimes in with thoughtful questions, sparking a lively discussion about picking the right partner, navigating investor pitfalls, and balancing entrepreneurial drive with personal sanity. Whether you’re dreaming of your own coffee empire or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with free wisdom from the trenches. Tune in for practical tips on finding a business partner, staying in your lane, and keeping the grind from grinding you down. Plus, hear why Aaron and Drew aren’t taking a dime from their booming Belize venture yet—and how that’s fueling their growth. Grab your favorite brew and join the Coffee Experts Club for a dose of caffeine-fueled inspiration! Minute by Minute:

0:00 Introduction

3:32 Do you want to do business alone?

5:28 The benefits of not partnering with your spouse

13:23 There can be benefits to age gaps in business partners

16:16 A silent partner

21:59 Getting a partner from outside coffee

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The Coffee Experts Club Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Coffee Experts Club Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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