SUMMARY:

In this episode of The Coffee Experts Club Podcast, hosts Aaron and Ben revisit their enlightening conversation with Brandon Eastman from Bentley's Coffee, featured in the previous episode. Brandon, who operates five locations across Albany and Salem in the heart of Oregon, shared invaluable insights on carving out a unique identity in the highly saturated Pacific Northwest coffee market.

Aaron and Ben dive deeper into the strategies that make Bentley's Coffee stand out, discussing Brandon's innovative approach to creating proprietary blends and ingredients from scratch. They explore how this commitment to quality and uniqueness helps Bentley's not only differentiate itself but also build a loyal customer base, even in an area dominated by well-known brands like Dutch Bros and Starbucks.

The hosts also touch on the importance of understanding and catering to your ideal customer, or "ideal avatar," and how Bentley's has successfully done this by focusing on dog lovers with their unique offerings like organic pup cups. Aaron and Ben highlight the significance of cutting out the middleman to reduce costs and increase profitability, drawing parallels to their own experiences in the coffee industry.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for coffee shop owners and enthusiasts alike, emphasizing the balance between innovative marketing and smart business practices to thrive in a competitive market. Tune in to hear more about Brandon's journey and how his strategies can inspire your own coffee business success.

Minute by Minute:

0:00 Let’s talk about Drew’s beard

1:57 How Brandon stands out in Oregon

7:11 Leaning into the love of dogs

10:13 Cutting out the middleman

22:23 The whole new drink every week idea….

24:37 Adding hard goods to your shop

SUMMARY:

In this episode of The Coffee Experts Club Podcast, Aaron, Ben, and Drew sit down with Brandon Eastman, the innovative mind behind Bentley's Coffee. Brandon's journey from a Dutch Bros franchisee to creating his own unique brand is nothing short of inspiring. Situated in mid-level Oregon, just south of Portland, Bentley's Coffee has not only expanded to multiple locations but has also cultivated a beloved community culture.

Brandon shares the story behind Bentley's, named after his 18-and-a-half-year-old Yorkie Shih Tzu, who embodies the brand's friendly and welcoming spirit. The conversation dives into the unique aspects of Bentley's Coffee, such as their commitment to crafting homemade syrups and ingredients, their innovative promotional strategies, and their dedication to community involvement, especially through initiatives supporting local animal shelters.

Listeners will learn about the challenges and triumphs of creating a distinct coffee experience in a competitive market, the importance of building a strong company culture, and the benefits of focusing on a niche—in Bentley's case, catering to both coffee lovers and their furry companions. From the delightful pup shakes made with real bananas and organic peanut butter to their extensive promotional campaigns, Bentley's Coffee stands out by offering something truly special.

Join us for an insightful and heartwarming discussion with Brandon Eastman, as we explore what it takes to build a successful and unique coffee business in today's market. Whether you're a coffee entrepreneur or a lover of a good brew, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiring stories.

Minute by Minute:

0:00 Introduction

5:20 Bentley’s brand is for the dogs

13:27 A drink for every week of the year

17:42 Made in house

25:42 Future plans for growing Bentley’s

SUMMARY:

In this episode of The Coffee Experts Club, hosts Ben and Drew reflect on their recent interview with Cody Anderson, founder of Houdini Coffee Roasters and a longtime friend. They delve into Cody’s inspiring journey from roasting for Black Rock Coffee to starting his own company.

Ben and Drew discuss Cody's career evolution, highlighting his transition from working at Ethos Bakery and Coffee Shop to finally launching Houdini Coffee Roasters. They admire his steady progress toward his ultimate goal of running his own coffee roasting business, emphasizing his vast knowledge and hands-on experience in the coffee industry.

Listeners will hear about Cody’s exceptional skills in both coffee roasting and machine maintenance, as well as his unique approach to customer service. Ben and Drew share anecdotes about Cody’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to manage teams effectively—skills honed over years of dedication and hard work.

The hosts also explore the business potential in the coffee industry, particularly for those interested in coffee roasting and tech services. They highlight the high demand for skilled espresso machine technicians and how Cody's expertise positions him perfectly to fill this niche.

Join Ben and Drew as they celebrate Cody Anderson’s achievements and discuss the bright future ahead for Houdini Coffee Roasters. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast, aspiring roaster, or simply curious about the inner workings of the coffee industry, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Minute by Minute:

0:00 Introduction and predicting the weather in Belize

5:23 Cody moving towards being his own roaster

16:30 When Drew wanted to learn what Cody did

20:13 Ascending with Cody

26:19 There may be Cody’s on your team now