Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hali Holt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hali, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The Grind Coffee House has become more than a place with excellent coffee & service. We strive to provide a safe, welcoming environment for all, whether it be as a patron, member of the local community, or as an employee. As a mother, wife, daughter, friend, employer in the world we live in today it has become my mission to foster an environment to allow others to feel like they have a place to turn to when they need support, a family/friend, a smile or a cup of coffee. We want to shed as much light and bring as much attention as able to Mental Health Awareness. We are dedicated to giving back to our community, the youth in the area, and trying to let each individual know that it is okay to not be okay. Having young children growing up in the rural community I was brought up in is a privilege that is not taken lightly. I want to make sure that they know they can speak their mind, feel the way they truly feel, that no one is perfect, and that they will always have an ear at The Grind. Though the stigma that surrounds Mental Health (conditions/illnesses/disorders) has made leaps and bounds, there is so much work to be completed to truly support it as a whole. How wonderful would it be if the school systems made it the norm to include healthy coping skills, resources, etc to curriculum to provide the fundamental building blocks to our future of America?
We want each person to know they always have a friend and excellent cup of coffee at The Grind Coffee House. xoxo
Hali, 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 own a coffee shop named The Grind Coffee House in the Upper Peninsula of MI. Native Yooper, I dreamt of leaving the area and finding something “bigger”, little did I know what that “bigger” picture entailed. I went to nursing school and worked bedside until becoming pregnant with my daughter. I decided I wanted to be home and not miss a beat with my family, so I decided to step back from that nursing career. I grew antsy being home and decided to get my real estate license, which lead me to find The Grind Coffee House. After having a conversation with my husband, we decided to take the jump and alas, received an accepted offer on the coffee shop. It was bonkers, what business did we have owning and operating a coffee shop?? It has been the best two and half years owning it. We specialize in an array of specialty beverages- not limited to coffee, though we are biased to our coffee. We LOVE supporting other small businesses in the area, we source our coffee from a local roaster, pastries from a local restaurant, and pair up with other businesses for specials. We love giving back by donating to our community in a plethora of ways. We are always looking at what we can do next to set ourselves apart, from introducing new clean & quality products to quirky drink combinations- you name it we have given it a try or willing too. I am most proud of being able to leave a career, taking the scariest jump, and taking the chance on a coffee shop, allowing my children and others questioning themselves that they can do hard things. We are more than a place to get a darn good cup of coffee. The Grind is passionate about Mental Health Awareness. We want to remind you that you always have a friend at The Grind.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
My advice to managing a team would be RESPECT and boundaries. This team is a part of the foundation to your business. They are at the forefront- typically, without your team you would not be able to move forward with a successful business. I have worked at businesses where the punitive responses outweighed the positivity and praise. Implementing positive reinforcement within your business model can do wonders for us, as humans, who doesn’t love when they are told they are doing good. The environment one is submerged in is reflected in the behaviors of those individuals. Mistakes shouldn’t be punished, we can use that as a teaching moment, for if they haven’t failed there is never going to be improvement. Maintaining boundaries allows to ensure that you can be respectful and understanding of your team but ensure situations don’t become one sided. Offering incentives such as bonuses when marks are hit, team bonding, donating to charities or missions close to your team members hearts, asking how their kids or loved ones are, closing early to go to lunch or personalized gifts on holidays are little acts that allow people to feel like they matter. Thoughtful acts go a long way, when you are consistently being belittled, threatened if you call in you, chances are that you likely could care less the outcome of that business. Addressing problems immediately- listening to all sides, being open minded, and allowing time to step back to assess situations are all just a few ways you can effectively over see a team.
Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?
I had bought a coffee shop in January of 2022. The coffee shop was a concept of a bank owning a building and students at the local high school created and renovated the building to house a coffee shop. I was previously working as a bedside nurse, deciding to leave that career once I had young children at home and wanted a change of pace. I cannot remain idle long, thus getting my real estate license was the only (logical) move I could think of haha, which at that time I found The Grind was for sale. My husband was on board with my out of this world suggestion of owning a coffee shop and we put an offer in immediately. It was finally an accepted offer, and we were on our way of becoming business owners. I had no prior experience of owning a business, but I was ready for the challenge. At the time, there was not too much guidance in the process of acquiring a business. Luckily, we kept the crew on for as long as they wanted to stay and they were so kind to teach me their ways, along with a lot of self-teaching and education on processes. Having to go through approval from the health department to remain open, getting all licenses switched over, insurances updated, an accountant lined up was difficult. We had guidance from the previous owner, as much as they could, that was very helpful. The process is lengthy, and I do suggest finding a mentor to assist or local resources (our community now has a plethora of supportive resources).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the-grind-coffee-house.square.site/
- Instagram: thegrindmstq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegrindmstq/
