I am the greatest barista in the history of the world. Yes, this is something of a moniker I have bandied around from time to time for its shock value. When I say it, most everyone in my organization rolls their eyes and shrugs their shoulders as they walk away. So, what is my point? …more
This fall, I had the honor to become involved with the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) at the University of Michigan. CFE, to my surprise, is not housed within the Ross School of Business as you would think—rather, it lives within the College of Engineering. Why is that? Well, CFE’s tagline, which has always rung true …more
Recently, on my birthday, I had a profound experience. A BIGGBY COFFEE owner-operator (franchisee) had requested a sit down. “I need to clear the air,” he told me during a call the day before, “Using the ‘F’ word last week was upsetting to me, my wife and some of my people.” I agreed to get …more
While being in a business partnership can be highly rewarding, no amount of success can be had unless all parties involved are transparent and on the same page before starting. I have been co-CEO of BIGGBY COFFEE® with my partner, Bob Fish, for more than twenty years, and he is one of the most important …more