Meeting Ann

One of the primary recommendations for building a good business plan is establishing who your competitors are and what advantage(s) you have over them.  Although there are a few coffee shops in Oak Ride, Calamity’s philosophy was so unique that I really didn’t want to go into business with a competitive mentality.  Yes, we sell coffee and tea, but the real goal is to help build community and to empower people to make their dreams realized.  We evaluated other shops and decided we’d rather encourage the growth of other small businesses and learn from corporations.

We were cognizant of the fact that other businesses might have a different approach, but opted to remain focused on our core values (creating a unique experience for every customer we serve, making tasty beverages, and promoting under recognized leaders in the Oak Ridge community).  Worried we might upset the only other small coffee shop in Oak Ridge, Bud’s Farmhouse Coffee, we kept a healthy distance.  A few days ago, one of the owners of Bud’s came to our shop to show their support.  It might sound a bit dramatic, but this was a monumental moment for Calamity’s.  We have a great deal of respect for Jim and Ann.  They share the same belief that coffee is more than a beverage and have worked hard to make a comfortable environment with friendly staff.  From the start, we have encouraged people to visit their shop.  They have better seating options and different brewed coffee profiles, but they are also customer focused.  Anytime Calamity’s can put their reputation behind another small business, we will happily do so.

We have had the privilege of meeting some amazing “competition” in the coffee industry, and found them to be our greatest allies.  Ashley and Andy with Pedal Java have become our idols, the folks at Vienna Coffee have spent hours training and supporting us, and now the incredible folks at Bud’s have shown us nothing but grace.  Another reason why coffee is such a wonderful business.  We understand that while it can be lucrative, it is always a gamble (80% of shops fail).  Rather than becoming cutthroat, most of us support one another.  We appreciate the art of coffee, the joy of making someone’s day, and know our distinct business models appeal to different audiences.

We can never thank Ann enough and encourage you to visit Bud’s Farmhouse.  Here’s to small businesses joining together!