We recently connected with Allison Boettcher and have shared our conversation below.

Allison, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

Every single day, our unwavering dedication revolves around showcasing our genuine care for our customers. They represent not just transactions, but the lifeblood of our existence. Their support fuels our ability to pay rent, sustain our dedicated employees, and open our doors each day. Yet, our commitment extends far beyond this practicality; it’s woven into the very fabric of our company’s core principles.

It’s often the smallest gestures that wield the greatest impact. Taking the time to listen to our customers’ stories, whether they’re tales of triumph or challenge, stands as a cornerstone of our approach.

A simple cup of coffee, freely given, can hold the power to brighten even the toughest of days or celebrate kindness towards others. Sometimes, what speaks loudest is an embrace—a warm hug to remind them that they’re valued and that we care.

Allison, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born in the vibrant town of St. Andrew, Jamaica, a place that holds a special place in my heart. Following my passion for Economics and Finance, I pursued my studies at Barry University in Miami Shores, setting the stage for a career that would take me across continents.

Becoming a Banker was a significant milestone in my journey, marking my entry into the world of finance. However, my adventurous nature led me to Germany, where I embarked on a PhD in Economics. After two impactful years, family planning prompted me to discontinue my doctoral pursuit. Undeterred, I channeled my energies into completing an MBA, a testament to my resilience and adaptability.

A span of 15 years as a devoted stay-at-home Mom followed, during which I nurtured and supported my two incredible children. My son, Anthony, charted his path to Wall Street after his time at Bentley University, while my daughter, Kimberly, demonstrated exceptional dedication as she progressed through medical school at the prestigious Jagiellonian University and Maximillian Ludwig University.

In 2019, a moment of revelation prompted me to venture into uncharted territory – the restaurant industry. This marked the birth of the Blue Mountain Coffee House, a business that defied conventions. With my financial acumen and faith, I embarked on this journey, even in the face of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite moments of doubt, my faith kept me steadfast.

The Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee carries with it a legacy that spans continents. Revered as “The World’s Best Coffee,” it embodies the essence of smoothness, devoid of bitterness, and with a rare low acidity. It is the highest peak in Jamaica with cool altitudes and volcanic soil – ingredients for the rarest coffee beans on Earth. Serendipitously, my great-grand parents were coffee estate owners in the Blue Mountain region; Today, my coffee beans are lovingly handpicked, meticulously processed, subjected to government scrutiny, and ultimately transported to my West Palm Beach storefront.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The unanticipated journey of owning a business has been a profound lesson in perseverance and resilience. From my background as a former Controller and my experience in the intricate world of Mergers & Acquisitions, I swiftly came to understand the stark contrast. The safety net of a parent company or a larger entity ready to step in was absent; there were no external streams of revenue to rely on. The success or struggle of the enterprise rested solely on my shoulders. As a small business owner, the uphill battle for capital acquisition was a formidable challenge that I had to confront.

The transformation was all-encompassing. I became not just a business owner, but a micro-manager in every sense. Each week stretched beyond the confines of normalcy, with me clocking in an astounding 84 hours or more. In this endeavor, I found myself assuming roles that spanned the gamut – from the tireless salesperson to the meticulous cook, from the shrewd marketing manager to the exacting finance manager, and even the empathetic HR representative.

The challenges were ceaseless, yet it was the support of my remarkable customers that served as my anchor. Their patronage, encouragement, and loyalty have become the lifeblood of my business. The knowledge that the Blue Mountain Coffee House was not just a business, but a labor of love and dedication kept me pushing forward, even in moments when exhaustion and doubt threatened to overshadow everything.

Personally, I consider this journey a test of limits and an embodiment of the saying that with great challenges, come even greater rewards. The long hours to the multifaceted roles I have undertaken, reinforce my commitment to turning my vision into a reality. As minority businesswoman, I feel empowered, as I navigate the uncharted waters of entrepreneurship.

I believe Blue Mountain Coffee House isn’t merely a venture, but rather a remarkable odyssey of self-discovery and community. I embrace this with a heart full of gratitude for the invaluable lessons and love I continue to receive from the people around me – that which I refer to as my Blue Mountain Family.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant labor shortage emerged, and its effects persist even now. The landscape of work culture underwent a transformation, as factors such as punctuality and absenteeism took on a newfound importance and sensitivity. Consequently, conventional HR approaches demanded a complete reimagining to ensure the retention of staff members.

Navigating this landscape proved especially challenging for small businesses like mine. The quest for suitable workers became an exceedingly challenging task that necessitated innovative measures. In response, I embarked on a proactive approach, by introducing a range of supplementary perks for my employees. It was paramount for me to strike a balance between offering these additional incentives and upholding the established standards of my company.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bluemountaincoffeehouses.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluemountaincoffeehouse/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluemountaincoffeehouses
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-boettcher-mba-74140316/