Why You Should Listen to a Coffeepreneur: Lessons in Human Connection, Simplification, and Business Success
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For years, the American economy was driven by manufacturing. Today, we live in a service economy, with over 75% of the U.S. GDP tied to service industries. Globally, it’s nearly two-thirds. If you’re reading this, chances are you and I are in the same business: serving people.
But here’s the catch—service alone isn’t enough to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. It’s hospitality, the human connection in how we serve, that creates lasting success. As a coffeepreneur, business owner, and motivator, I’ve learned to quantify what matters, simplify processes, and build meaningful human connections. Here’s how you can apply these lessons to grow your business and inspire your team.
Quantify: Breaking Down Human Connection
Harvard University studies on emotional intelligence reveal that businesses prioritizing relationships over transactions achieve higher customer retention and profitability. Why? Humans value being seen, understood, and cared for.
At 787 Coffee, we quantify success not just in revenue, but in how many smiles we create. From growing our coffee beans on our farm in Puerto Rico to crafting unforgettable moments in our coffee shops in New York, El Paso, and Puerto Rico, every interaction is an opportunity to connect.
For example, at our farm, Hacienda Iluminada, every visitor leaves with more than coffee—they leave with a story. They walk the farm, meet the team, and experience the love that goes into every bean. This is quantified not in cups sold but in lasting relationships built.
Simplify: The Power of Streamlined Hospitality
One of the most common mistakes businesses make is overcomplicating processes. Simplification allows you to focus on what truly matters—your people and your product.
Take our approach at 787 Coffee. Growing coffee in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, we simplify logistics by eliminating the need for imports, ensuring quality control from farm to cup. But simplification doesn’t stop there.
In our coffee shops, we empower our team to go beyond service. They’re not just serving coffee; they’re creating moments of joy, one cup at a time. This philosophy, inspired by Will Guidara’s “unreasonable hospitality”, teaches us that the simplest gestures—like remembering a regular’s favorite drink—can make a monumental impact.
Human: Relationships as the Ultimate Competitive Advantage
The most successful businesses don’t just sell products—they create human connections. Studies from Harvard Business Review show that strong relationships, built through trust and authenticity, take years to erode.
At 787 Coffee, we believe in going the extra mile, not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it. Imagine this: A guest walks into one of our coffee shops feeling overwhelmed. Instead of just serving their latte, our barista takes a moment to ask about their day and listens with genuine care. That moment of hospitality stays with them far longer than the coffee itself. Simple things such as a greeting, a free cup of water, a thank you for chatting with me in addition to the best coffee and a personalized experience makes everything worth it.
This philosophy is embedded in everything we do. From the farm to our coffee shops, every interaction is treated as a chance to make someone feel seen, valued, and appreciated. After all I wouldn’t have a job without our caffeinated customers.
Why Does This Matter for Your Business?
Whether you’re a restaurateur, a tech entrepreneur, or a business leader, the principles of hospitality apply universally. Your competitive advantage lies in how you make people feel—not just your customers, but your employees, partners, and community.
Here are three ways to start:
Be Present: Care enough to listen. In a world of distractions, presence is a rare gift.
Take Yourself Less Seriously: Focus on what brings joy to others, not rigid brand rules.
Personalize the Experience: Treat every customer or client as an individual, not a transaction.
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A Story That Stays
I’ll never forget a guest who visited Hacienda Iluminada. They mentioned it was their first time seeing a coffee farm. We surprised them with a hands-on experience, letting them pick cherries, learn about roasting, and even create their own custom brew. Months later, they returned—not just for the coffee, but because they felt connected to our story.
This is the power of human connection. It turns customers into ambassadors, team members into believers, and businesses into legacies.
To Summarize…
You might wonder, “Why should I listen to a coffeepreneur?” The answer is simple: Coffee, like business, is about people. The most successful entrepreneurs, like the best baristas, know that the key to success isn’t just what you deliver—it’s how you make people feel.
As a business coach, speaker, and motivator, I challenge you to quantify what truly matters, simplify your processes, and focus on the human connection. Because in the end, relationships are your greatest asset, and they’ll always brew success.
Let’s create something unforgettable—one connection at a time. YOU Got This!
