Exit Strategy (28A)
It’s interesting to consider the end of something before it has even begun. I am still in the dreaming stages of creating The Mount Coffeehouse so this assignment is very introspective in making me think about the kind of legacy I want to leave with my coffee house. In exiting, I know that I don’t want to sell The Mount for a large return. In my mind, The Mount will stay as a small business; very local and homey. I enjoy the idea that my baristas would know our customers orders by name. I am not sure how long I will be running The Mount but I hope at least for 10 or 15 years, maybe more! I think it would be very tender if it became a family business. I hope that my family will love coffee as much as I do and it can be something that brings all of us together. However, I would not “mandate” or pressure my children to keep up the shop. I hope that The Mount would continue to be a place for college students to come and fellowship as long as it is open.
I have selected this exit strategy because I know that God has called me to this dream during this season of my life and specifically to run it as a nonprofit but if God ever calls me to international missions to change my occupation I want to be open to whatever he is calling me to. Running a coffee shop is just one way I can support the causes I believe in.
This exit strategy has influenced other parts of my decision because if I am planning to stay in business, in the same location, I need to select a place that is conducive to make my coffee shop as sustainable as possible to thrive for years to come. It also needs to be able to adapt to changing college styles and customers but also maintain its own style. I have potentially thought that if The Mount was successful, I could start similar coffee shops with this mission of youth development and the elevated volume control system around Florida schools or even nationally. I know that there are plenty of Christian coffee lovers out there who would probably support my mission and want to replicate something similar.
hey, Ive loved seeing your coffeeshop idea. As an old barista and supervisor, i think working at Starbucks is an excellent start for you. I hope you can pursue this idea, if you wish, because it is fruitful and exciting.
ReplyDeleteJuliana, this is a very cool idea. It is really interesting to see how you want to approach the exit. You seem like you have covered all aspects of your approach, especially how you plan to balance the future with your venture. I believe this concept could be very viable and potentially profitable.
ReplyDelete