What are a few key pivotal things that got you to this moment right now?
Sample Answer: "There were several pivotal moments that led me to start this coffee business. My time in a stressful, unfulfilling corporate job made me realize the importance of meaningful work. This experience ignited a passion for helping others succeed and finding fulfillment in my career. Additionally, I developed a deep understanding of product development, which has been crucial in creating a high-quality coffee experience. These elements combined inspired me to create a space where both customers and employees can thrive, and where we can make a positive impact on the community."
2. What is missing from your life that you hope this coffee business will change (besides money)?
Sample Answer: "I want to become a positive influence on young adults, helping them launch successful businesses and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. I aim to provide opportunities for those who may not fit the traditional corporate mold due to their past, appearance, or manner of speech. By offering jobs, social programs, and a resource hub for like-minded individuals, I hope to empower people to make a difference in their own communities without having to conform to the interests of major corporations."
3. Should this be a coffee business?
Sample Answer: "While the core of our business is coffee, we envision expanding our impact through non-profit mentoring programs and other social initiatives. We plan to leverage technology, including AI, to provide mentorship, business planning, and resources that align with Trap Coffee’s mission. Our goal is to create a multifaceted organization that not only serves great coffee but also drives social change."
4. What are you passionate about?
Sample Answer: "I am passionate about building and growing a unique brand that operates every aspect of our coffee production in-house. I am dedicated to developing people, helping them harness their skills, and bringing their ideas to life. My ultimate goal is to make our coffee shop the best place to work, where employees feel valued and customers enjoy an exceptional experience."
5. Can you converge your other passions into this concept to make something fresh with more revenue streams?
Sample Answer: "Absolutely. We plan to create special promotional items and packages that allow individuals and organizations to support our cause through their purchases. We will donate 6% of our profits to charitable organizations with similar missions. Additionally, we will open a donation page to fund our own initiatives, including our AI-driven mentorship app, expanding our impact beyond just coffee."
6. Why would customers want to wear your brand proudly on a t-shirt?
Sample Answer: "Customers would wear our brand proudly because it represents more than just great coffee. It stands for youth entrepreneurial development and a passion for a prosperous future. By supporting Trap Coffee, they are part of a forward-thinking movement that empowers individuals and communities."
7. Do you live the lifestyle you are trying to sell?
Sample Answer: "Absolutely. Recently, we volunteered with one of our partner organizations, NFTE, as judges in a business plan competition. We provided praise, feedback, advice, and encouragement to young entrepreneurs, embodying the values and mission of Trap Coffee in our everyday actions."
8. What will keep you fulfilled and excited to go to work three years from now when it has become a routine?
Sample Answer: "As we grow and expand to multiple locations, witnessing the tangible impact we can have on communities will keep me excited and fulfilled. The prospect of creating opportunities, fostering innovation, and seeing the positive changes we can make will continue to drive my passion for this business."
9. Can this business be scaled larger to multiple locations?
Sample Answer: "Yes, we envision a franchise-like model that allows others to adopt our business approach. We also aim to build in-house operations for corporate partners, ensuring that the majority of our operations, from coffee beans to green coffee farms, are owned by Trap Coffee. Our goal is to expand in innovative ways while maintaining our core values."
10. Do you hope to sell this business someday? Could you?
Sample Answer: "Yes, if the right opportunity arises with a like-minded mission that can scale our impact beyond what we could achieve alone, selling would be an option. Timing and price would be important factors, but ultimately, it would depend on the potential to further our mission and values on a larger scale."
These responses should provide a comprehensive view of your vision, passion, and goals for your coffee business, resonating well with a news reporter and their audience.