September 29, 2025

564: Why It's Not the Bricks, It's the Mortar! w/ Mike Cosentino of Big Peach Running Co.

1 hour

Knowing all the information and having all the coolest and best gear does not means your shop will succeed. For the purpose of todays conversation let's just say all the things we assemble under the roof of out shop are just the bricks. What's the mortar that holds t all together? People!

Today we get to chat all about how to focus on people to fuel the best retail experience for both staff and customers alike w/ Mike Cosentino!

Mike Cosentino, CEO of Big Peach. Big Peach is one of the largest and most recognized specialty retailers in North America, with business units spanning the Specialty Running (Big Peach Running Co.) and Bicycling (Big Peach Ride + Run) retail segments. Headquartered in Atlanta, the company serves athletes and fitness enthusiasts of every level beyond its brick-and-mortar locations through a dynamic e-commerce platform (BigPeachRunningCo.com) and innovative mobile retail experience (Big Peach On-Wheels).

His new book, It's Not the Bricks, It's the Mortar: Optimize Your Retail Business for Lasting Success offers a battle-tested framework for service-driven retail organizations… from a current operator. No formalities. No fluff. This is not content from an academic researcher, industry consultant or ghostwriter. This is entrepreneur Mike Cosentino sharing powerful lessons from decades of experience, while still leading his own retail enterprises.

Whether accelerating growth or withstanding the unexpected, his systems favor the confident empowerment of others – – while disfavoring the constant oversight often required by most leaders. The book includes two life-altering personal events that every reader will relate to, reminding us that success in this industry can't be achieved on hustle alone.

Related episodes!
446: Building a People-First Coffee Tech Culture w/ Jason "Double J" Johnson, Black Rabbit Service Co.
416 : People-First Principles for Growing Your Shop w/ Mike McFall of Biggby Coffee
394 : Happy Coffee People w/ Wendelien van Bunnik
194 : Encore Episode! Leadership in the Cafe: 10 Steps to being a People First Leader | Aired January 17 2017
People…not Objects
430 : Embracing "Unreasonable Hospitality" w/ Will Guidara | Thank You NYC + The Welcome Conference

KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS!

Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?

Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!

Applications are now open for fall 2025 Cohort: Click below to learn more: APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS

KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING!

If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email

[email protected]

of book a free call now:

https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min