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EP16: Eric LeGrand on Central Jersey, Coffee, and Community
Welcome to this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast! Jose Sanchez and co-host Kate Vargo join Eric LeGrand at LeGrand Coffee House for a conversation that feels equal parts Jersey, hustle, and heart.
They get into where that energy comes from early. Eric talks about growing up in Avenel and Woodbridge, staying close to home, and how Rutgers helped shape him. “It shaped me to who I am. Taught me toughness,” he says. That mindset shows up in every part of the conversation.
What makes this episode work is how real it feels. Eric is not talking like someone who had it all mapped out. He talks about learning on the fly, getting things wrong, and choosing to keep going anyway. “I’m not afraid to fail,” he says, and that line tells you a lot about how he moves.
There is also something really fun about hearing him talk about Woodbridge, the coffee shop, and what it means to build something in your own backyard. This is not just about opening a business. It is about creating a place people actually want to be, and then watching it become part of their lives.
The conversation also opens up into the purpose behind it all, including the foundation work that continues to give back to the spinal cord injury community. It reveals a business model fueled by personal mission, where everything from Team LeGrand, annual fundraising events, to bourbon sales feeds back into the cause.
Here are the key takeaways:
3:5 Baseball, basketball, and choosing football
7:09 Changing majors and rethinking the future
07:56 The first business before coffee
9:21 What inspired the coffee shop
11:23 Starting online before opening the shop
16:05 Why Woodbridge was the right choice
18:57 The LeGrand Coffee House experience
22:08 How bourbon gets ordered
24:29 Showing up for local events
25:21 Real advice for business owners
26:50 Why fear stops people early
28:48 Why Central Jersey works
31:11 Why Middletown was the next move
33:36 Team LeGrand and foundation work
If you like stories that feel local, honest, and full of momentum, this is one to queue up. Tune in for a side of Eric LeGrand that goes beyond the name people already know.
About Eric LeGrand
Eric LeGrand is a former Rutgers football player who turned his platform into work that reaches beyond sports. After a spinal cord injury in 2010, he continued his education, built Team LeGrand to support paralysis research, and became a speaker, broadcaster, and entrepreneur. He later launched LeGrand Coffee House in his hometown of Woodbridge and expanded into other business ventures, including bourbon. In the episode, he also speaks about staying rooted in New Jersey and building things that bring people together.
Connect with Eric:legrandcoffeehouse.com
About Katlin Vargo
Katlin Vargo is a real estate agent, focused on serving buyers, sellers, and investors in Central New Jersey. She has lived in Middlesex County for over ten years and brings a strong understanding of the local market. Outside of work, she spends time with her son, Beau, and their dog, Brooklyn, exploring nearby neighborhoods and parks.
Connect with Katlin:
@katevargorealtor
About Jose Sanchez
Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.
Connect with Jose:
@josersanchez
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.
View all episodes
By Jose SanchezWelcome to this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast! Jose Sanchez and co-host Kate Vargo join Eric LeGrand at LeGrand Coffee House for a conversation that feels equal parts Jersey, hustle, and heart.
They get into where that energy comes from early. Eric talks about growing up in Avenel and Woodbridge, staying close to home, and how Rutgers helped shape him. “It shaped me to who I am. Taught me toughness,” he says. That mindset shows up in every part of the conversation.
What makes this episode work is how real it feels. Eric is not talking like someone who had it all mapped out. He talks about learning on the fly, getting things wrong, and choosing to keep going anyway. “I’m not afraid to fail,” he says, and that line tells you a lot about how he moves.
There is also something really fun about hearing him talk about Woodbridge, the coffee shop, and what it means to build something in your own backyard. This is not just about opening a business. It is about creating a place people actually want to be, and then watching it become part of their lives.
The conversation also opens up into the purpose behind it all, including the foundation work that continues to give back to the spinal cord injury community. It reveals a business model fueled by personal mission, where everything from Team LeGrand, annual fundraising events, to bourbon sales feeds back into the cause.
Here are the key takeaways:
3:5 Baseball, basketball, and choosing football
7:09 Changing majors and rethinking the future
07:56 The first business before coffee
9:21 What inspired the coffee shop
11:23 Starting online before opening the shop
16:05 Why Woodbridge was the right choice
18:57 The LeGrand Coffee House experience
22:08 How bourbon gets ordered
24:29 Showing up for local events
25:21 Real advice for business owners
26:50 Why fear stops people early
28:48 Why Central Jersey works
31:11 Why Middletown was the next move
33:36 Team LeGrand and foundation work
If you like stories that feel local, honest, and full of momentum, this is one to queue up. Tune in for a side of Eric LeGrand that goes beyond the name people already know.
About Eric LeGrand
Eric LeGrand is a former Rutgers football player who turned his platform into work that reaches beyond sports. After a spinal cord injury in 2010, he continued his education, built Team LeGrand to support paralysis research, and became a speaker, broadcaster, and entrepreneur. He later launched LeGrand Coffee House in his hometown of Woodbridge and expanded into other business ventures, including bourbon. In the episode, he also speaks about staying rooted in New Jersey and building things that bring people together.
Connect with Eric:legrandcoffeehouse.com
About Katlin Vargo
Katlin Vargo is a real estate agent, focused on serving buyers, sellers, and investors in Central New Jersey. She has lived in Middlesex County for over ten years and brings a strong understanding of the local market. Outside of work, she spends time with her son, Beau, and their dog, Brooklyn, exploring nearby neighborhoods and parks.
Connect with Katlin:
@katevargorealtor
About Jose Sanchez
Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.
Connect with Jose:
@josersanchez
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.