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Jack Groot

USA

Jack's Sandbox Story.

"Jack grew up in a sandbox building company. After Jack grew up he built his own sandbox and filled it with coffee. People liked Jack's sandbox and he ran his sandbox well. Pretty soon other people started asking Jack how he built his sandbox, so Jack started teaching and training others on how to build their own sandbox and fill it with coffee.

"Jack's sandbox and sandbox consulting company were so successful the owner of a really big sandbox bought Jack's sandbox and sandbox consulting company and added them to his large sandbox. He left Jack in charge of his former sandbox and even gave him authority over some of his large sandbox.

"Pretty soon Jack and his new boss's ideas of how to run coffee-filled sandbox operations clash and Jack realizes it's time to leave. Of course when Jack left, he could build sandboxes, teach others how to build sandboxes and even help them build sandboxes...well, as long as the is no coffee in the sand 😉."

$2.50/min

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11 Reviews

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Consulting

Jack is a business founder and current business owner who consults from 20 years of business experience.

Jack has the experience of helping hundreds of clients over the years - single store start up to business troubleshooting to chain development. His expertise is founded on personal experience, honed by a mindset of continuous improvement and proven by a track record of satisfied clients.

http://www.ontrackcoffeeconsulting.com

Entrepreneurship

Jack projects:
• JP’s Coffee and Espresso Bar, founder (1993)
• Rubyjuice Fruit and Smoothies
o Retail store, Holland MI, founder and owner (2000-2004)
o Franchise Operations, founder and owner (2003-2007)
• Midwest Barista School, founder and principal, (2007)
• On Track Coffee Consulting, principal (1998)
• Products brought to market
o Barista Training DVDs
o Coffee Bar System (Awarded “Best New Product”, Coffee Fest 2005)

http://www.OnTrackCoffeeConsulting.com

Small Business

Founder of JP's Coffee in Holland, MI. Awarded 3rd place in America's Best Coffeehouse competition for Midwest. Also, founder of Midwest Barista School, On Track Coffee Consulting, Rubyjuice and Rubyjuice franchise, as well as a coffee kiosk, coffee cart and more..

http://www.JPsCoffee.com

Answers 4
Reviews 11

Answers

Jack Groot answered

What is the one thing I should focus the majority of my time in my startup?

(Before I start, I am in retail, so my answer comes from that perspective).
Success comes from all the usual - good business model, great product, strong business foundation, working capital, etc. But, the one thing that is hard to control is "buzz". You of course must do all the obvious things as listed above, things you probably know, but getting a product noticed in a crowded marketplace is virtually impossible.

Of course, everything depends on your goals and what you want to make of this business - do you want a 500K business, or a 500M business. But, if you can separate your product from the rest by having a real edge, something very different and marketable (not just that you think it is, or people around you who like you tell you it is), or you can connect with another company or individual or celebrity who can give you a leg up.

Other than that, hard work, integrity and building a team of great people, and then applying liberal amounts of patience, will give you the best chance of long term success.

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Entrepreneurship

Marketing Strategy

Startup Consulting

Jack Groot answered

Need some advice on how to build a team, and determining what kind of talent I need?

My experience is based on my industry (retail/restaurant), but many of the principles are the same.
1. It may sound overly obvious, but it cannot be overstated - hiring is critical. You need to determine the role the person(s) will fulfill and then be very systematic in hiring. An accurate application process, interview, second and third interview and follow up must be done.
2. To attract the person(s) you want is more than who they are, it is also who you are. If you don't have a strong and positive image (it may be small at this point, but you still deal with people), create systems, benchmarks and followup on insuring that hires meet their goals, all your work is in vain.
3. Be a company that connects with your community and is a positive influence in your sphere.
4. You should make your need known. Not needy, but if you don't tell people, you'll never know who might have connected with you.
5. Finally, other factors.
a. Pay – not necessarily the most important item, but if the amount of pay and the employee’s needs don’t come close, the relationship will be short-lived.
b. Benefits – many small businesses cannot afford major benefits (health insurance, paid vacation, etc.) but even small benefits are valued.
c. Lifestyle – scheduling, job function and atmosphere should mesh with an employee’s personality.
d. Advancement – responsibilities will enable people to grow in their job.
e. Passion – find and connect with people passionate about your product.
I hope that helps!

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Start-ups

Team Building

Jack Groot answered

Have you experienced a lot of conflict in your team when building a startup?

I often tell people if my manager and I think alike, one of us is unnecessary. And that means the potential for conflict.

Conflict is a term I associate with a negative connotation. But, differing ideas and opinions are extremely important in a business. How does one know if they have a strong idea, if no one challenges it.

Of course challenging a superior must be based on a relationship of trust, but building a team with strong leadership will establish that trust and enable team members to work together in a healthy and positive way. And also have systems in place to handle situations that could escalate if not handle correctly.

I have been in a position of conflict many times with a member or members of my team. Sometimes they were wrong, and many times I was wrong. Strong teams can handle the bumps in the road and will actually come out the other side stronger.

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Start-ups

Startups

Startup Consulting

Jack Groot answered

What are some of the most innovative, impactful ways to build awareness for a new retail location? The leaner the better.

Depends on your industry. I love what Red Robin did when they came to my town. They sent out packets to a select group of the community and invited them for a free lunch in the two weeks prior to opening. Guests received a controlled, informative, free lunch for four and the company received a 2 week training event for a whole group of new staff. Even though I don't eat their often, I have such a positive view of the company based on what they did and recommend them to others.

Hope that helps!

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Retail Marketing

Reviews

This is one recommendation that I am actually extremely excited and thrilled to write! Jack Groot and the Midwest Barista School was an integral part in providing me and our General Manager the confidence necessary to open our first coffee lounge, Coffee at The Point, located in Denver, Colorado!! I was/am extremely impressed with Jack’s knowledge, teaching style, and willingness to trade what some would consider trade secrets…all to assist us in getting on the right track to having a successful coffee lounge.

What was even more impressive was Jack’s willingness to answer a barrage of questions after we left the Barista School. As we would think of something, we would email Jack his opinion and thoughts. Jack always responded extremely promptly and with thorough answers so we could make an educated decision on which particular ‘direction’ we wanted to go.

In addition to attending the Midwest Barista School, we hired Jack to do an on-site consultation a week prior to us opening the doors. This was absolutely tremendous. To make a long story short, I strongly believe we avoided some pitfalls that would have stalled our open.

My expectation is that our coffee shop, which opened November 13, 2010, has an extremely healthy revenue stream…we have already exceeded expectations (with sales, quality of drinks, quality of service, and ambience). The consultation, teachings, etc. from Jack Groot is worth 100-times what I paid for his services (I want to add some more 0’s but I don’t want to sound too over the top…but it would be accurate to add more 0’s)!!!!

Thank you Jack!!!

Ryan D. Cobbins

Owner

Coffee at The Point

www.CoffeeatThePoint.com

Denver, Colorado

Coffee at The Point Source: LinkedIn

I highly recommend Jack Groot as an education and consulting source. While we are both in the same industry and provide similar services, I often collaborate with Jack, and his experience and honesty make him a knowledgeable and trustworthy source for anyone looking for assistance in setting up or operating a Specialty Coffee Business.

Ed Arvidson Source: LinkedIn

We have had many customers that have graduated from MBS and report that thy really like the hands on approach of jack and his staff. We find them well prepared to go into business post the MBS experience!

Lee Alexander Source: LinkedIn

Jack is a very hard worker. He is always thinking of new ideas, new innovations, and working hard at applying them. He cafefully analyzes if it is a sustainable practice and then executes very well. I highly recommend Jack as a business partner or as a consultant.

Rob Visser AAI, CLCS Source: LinkedIn

Jack's one of those guys that will sit down with you and really care about who you are and what you're doing. That personal care is what has grown JP's Coffee, MidwestBaristaSchool.com and OnTrack Consulting into what it is today - a personal touch to continuing your passion and furthering your craft.

Aaron Schaap Source: LinkedIn

I have known Jack for over 10 years. He is very well respected and trusted in the specialty coffee industry. Jack has been operating a very successful cafe for several years. This allows him the opportunity to train and educate his students in a real life atmosphere. I have worked with several customers who attended the Midwest Barista School and they all spoke very highly of Jack and were impressed with the quality of the school and the value it provided. I would highly recommend Jack to anyone looking to open a new cafe or to get training to improve their skills.

Tom Palm Source: LinkedIn

I've worked with Jack at Prince Corporation and he currently owners the best coffee shop in Holland - JP's. His staff is very friendly, helpful and make the best lattes. I'm very impressed with Jack's training program for coffee shop entrepreneurs. This is an excellent way to give back to others.
Gwen Auwerda

Gwen Auwerda Source: LinkedIn

Jack and his colleagues at JP’s in downtown Holland, MI have created one of the nicest coffee shop’s I have been in. In my current position I travel in all 50 state’s and find myself in quite a few coffee shops, and I can say that the atmosphere and friendly service model that Jack has created at JP’s is of a standard that is hard to find elsewhere. The loyal clientele is evidence of this, and the fact that it has stood the test of time over many years is another.

Jeff Pett Source: LinkedIn

Many of our Retail Specialty Coffee Industry POS customers have been through Jack's school and have worked with Jack in his consulting business. His experience and expertise as a business owner and knowledge of Specialty Coffee make him a great choice to assist with the planning and implementation of a Specialty Coffee Business.
Regards,

Lee Alexander Source: LinkedIn

Jack has an amazing passion for specialty coffee. He is a talented coffee trainer and takes the time to present true education, not just his particular perspective. I freely recommend Jack and the Midwest Barista School for coffee training and consulting.

Spencer Turer Source: LinkedIn

Specialty Coffee Retailer exists to provide the nation's coffee shop owners with more than information... Jack Groot's monthly column delivers insight that is pithy and self explanatory and personal. His voice is authentic. His enthusiasm for the coffee trade rings true. Jack's columns are well written, timely and reflect the strong work ethic, discipline and creativity of a brilliant entrepreneur. His guiding words are always welcome, but the special quality that Jack brings to the page is leadership by example that inspires as it informs.

Dan Bolton Source: LinkedIn

Member since June 2013