We were lucky to catch up with Amy Headrick recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, appreciate you joining us today. Talk to us about building a team – did you hire quickly, how’d you recruit the first few team members? Any interesting lessons?

When the owners decided to open a coffee shop, they needed someone on the team they trusted from day one. I have known them for a very long time, and I left my career that I was in for 13 years to work for them. We spent a week conducting interviews to build our team. We asked questions to try and get a sense of their personality and work ethic. Coffee experience was not necessary (although a plus), how they could work as a team and provide great customer service is what I was looking for the most. We asked each one how they define character, and each one gave a completely different answer. The answer they gave told me a lot about who they are as a person and what kind of employee they would be.

Amy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

We are located in the small town of Hoschton, Ga. Before us, the only coffee available was chain restaurants, this area is growing so fast and needed a quality coffee shop. We found a local roaster (Alma Coffee Canton, GA) with a great story and high-quality coffee beans. We use all organic teas, make 90% of our syrups/flavors in house, and all of our pasties are locally made. Customer service is very important to us. Our goal is to make everyone feel like family. We participate in different charity events, festivals, and pretty much anything in our community.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

We pride ourselves on customer service, and making our guests feel like they are family. Also, we try and do as many community events as possible. The more the community sees you involved the more they will support you.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

It’s like the old saying, treat others the way you want to be treated. I try my hardest to manage that way. I make sure the team feels heard and understood. When issues arise (and they always do), we talk it out and adjust accordingly.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hoschtoncoffee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoschtoncoffeeco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoschtonCoffeeCompany