Inspirational Story: How 787 Coffee Rose to the CO—100 Awards, Celebrating Small Business Excellence in America

I had the immense honor of representing 787 Coffee at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious CO—100 event in Washington, D.C. It was an experience filled with excitement, pride, and deep gratitude as we were named one of the top 100 small businesses in America. The event, held on October 7-8, was packed with networking opportunities, masterclasses, breathtaking views of the White House, museum visits, a tour of Capitol Hill, and, of course, the highly anticipated award ceremony.


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A Historic Venue for Small Business Recognition

The award ceremony took place in the iconic Chamber of Commerce building, a place that breathes the history of entrepreneurship and free enterprise in the heart of our nation’s capital. Standing in this historic venue, surrounded by fellow innovators and business leaders, I couldn’t help but feel the legacy of all those who have come before us, paving the way for small businesses to thrive. It was a humbling experience to be in a space that has witnessed so much of our country’s growth and development.


787 Coffee was selected from over 14,000 applicants for the 2024 CO—100 list by an esteemed panel of judges, recognized for its exceptional growth fueled by cutting-edge ideas, resilience, and a strong employee culture. The CO—100 list highlights a diverse range of small businesses across various industries and sizes, representing 31 states and Washington, D.C. This recognition celebrates businesses that embody innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, further underscoring 787 Coffee's dedication to excellence and community impact.

Illustration of humans of 787 coffee top small businesses in AMerica

A Night to Remember

The gala was nothing short of phenomenal. Over 200 impeccably dressed guests filled the room, enjoying wonderful catering and exceptional service, with unlimited drinks and an atmosphere that buzzed with energy and anticipation. The highlight of the night came when Christopher J. Hanke, the event host, announced 787 Coffee and Brandon Peña as one of the top ten businesses in America, awarding us the title of the Top Accelerator Growth Company in the country.

Bringing Sam Sepulveda, my life partner and co-founder of 787 Coffee, on stage with me was a moment I’ll never forget. It was a celebration of our shared journey, the highs and the challenges, and the dedication that brought us to that stage. But most importantly, I wished my entire team could have been there—our incredible baristas, farmers, admin staff, and everyone who makes 787 Coffee what it is. They are the heart and soul behind the cups of coffee that caffeinate New York, Puerto Rico, and El Paso, Texas, every single day. I really do work with some of the coolest humans of PR, NYC & ELP.




Sharing Our Story

As I stood there, sharing the story of 787 Coffee and Hacienda Iluminada with the audience, I felt a surge of emotions. From our humble beginnings to becoming a recognized name in the world of specialty coffee, the journey has been filled with growth, evolution, and so much learning. It was inspiring to look out and see a room full of diverse entrepreneurs, each representing their own unique businesses and the spirit of American innovation. I always say, dream, create and inspire. I dreamed of this moment, I created something magical with beautiful humans by my side and this night was a part of the ‘inspire’ journey.



Three Big Thank Yous

  1. To the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Thank you for including 787 Coffee in this incredible honor and for validating our mission. On behalf of all Latinos, my ancestors, my colleagues, and our caffeinated customers in New York, El Paso, and Puerto Rico—THANK YOU!

  2. To my co-workers and the 787 Coffee family: You are the melody that plays behind our success. From our dedicated farmers and hardworking baristas to the admin and kitchen teams, every one of you plays a vital role in creating the magic that is 787 Coffee.

  3. To the United States of America: Three generations ago, my grandfather crossed the bridge from Mexico to the U.S. as a farmer, thanks to a visa program introduced by President George H.W. Bush. Today, I stood on that stage at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, honored as one of America’s top ten small businesses and the top accelerated growth company. We have much more to do—more humans to caffeinate, more communities to impact, and more connections to make. Thank YOU USA for being the land of opportinities.


Moving Forward

As we move forward, this achievement is a reminder that the journey doesn’t end here. We are just beginning. Our mission is to continue caffeinating the world with passion, love, and a human-to-human approach. We are 787 Coffee—a community of dreamers, doers, and humans who value connection and authenticity above all else.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. The best is yet to come!


Let’s Connect On Social

During my time at the CO—100 event, I had the privilege of attending some incredible masterclasses that left a lasting impact on my approach to business. One of the standout sessions was "Unleash Innovation with a Focus on Social," led by Olivia Cleary and Omar Garriott. They delivered valuable insights in a straightforward way, emphasizing the power of social strategies in driving innovation. I also attended a masterclass on "The Power of Storytelling" with Eric Schurenberg, where he highlighted how compelling narratives can transform a brand’s identity and connect with audiences on a deeper level. These experiences were not only inspiring but also equipped me with practical tools to bring back to 787 Coffee and our ongoing mission to grow and innovate.


As a passionate coffeepreneur, business coach, and speaker, my mission is to help you unlock your full potential and turn your goals into reality. Every week is an opportunity to move closer to your success, and I’m here to guide you through that journey. Together, we’ll push for GREATNESS—not just for you, but for the humans around you. Surround yourself with growth-minded individuals, and watch how your business and leadership skills soar.

If you're looking for expert business coaching, I’m here to support YOU every step of the way. Let’s take your vision and make it a reality! - brandON - Let’s connect on social!

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