In this raw, unfiltered interview, Jasan and Matt dive deep into the struggles, mistakes, growth, and unspoken pain behind Coffee Junkiez and Pizza Junkiez. From the fight with red tape to build a business, to the emotional loss that started it all, this is the episode that ties everything together.

• 00:00:00 Intro – Seeing the Sign Go Up

• 00:01:30 The Interview Jasan Avoided

• 00:03:58 How Matt Joined the Team

• 00:05:00 Red Tape and 18-Month Battle with the City

• 00:10:20 "All I Wanted Was to Sell Coffee and Pizza"

• 00:12:14 Driving to Kokomo Just to Try the Food

• 00:14:28 Embracing Technology Late – A Hard Lesson

• 00:16:18 The Pizza Expo and Learning the Industry

• 00:20:08 POS Nightmare: Private Equity and Broken Promises

• 00:23:02 Matt Builds the First Website

• 00:26:06 What I Should Have Said No To: Growth

• 00:29:09 Great Locations, No Systems

• 00:31:16 Systems in My Head – The Big Mistake

• 00:35:05 Evolution of Training Videos

• 00:39:10 Emotional Control and Leadership

• 00:43:42 Redefining "Safe Space" for Hustlers

• 00:48:03 Connor's Story – The Real Why Behind It All

• 00:57:19 A Second-Chance Employee Who Made It

• 01:01:14 "Own Your Sh*t" – No Victim Mentality Allowed

• 01:09:14 The Pain That Sparked the Business

• 01:11:22 I'm Not for Everyone – And I'm Okay With That

• 01:12:21 When Ex-Employees Come Back Wiser

• 01:13:32 Today's Culture vs. True Work Ethic

• 01:14:17 The Wild Hires We Had to Let Go

• 01:16:09 There Can Only Be One Way

• 01:59:08 The need for franchisees and setting up CRM systems​

• 02:02:35 The philosophy of franchising and supporting franchisees​

• 02:13:10 What makes this franchise different​

• 03:17:25 The final reflections about launching franchising as part of Chapter Three​

The Cost of Doing Business the Right Way - Documenting the Journey Season #2 Ep#17- Trish In this unfiltered, deeply personal episode, Trish and Jasan dive into what it really takes to build a business rooted in reputation, accountability, and character. From bold decisions and personal sacrifices to funny stories and real talk about relationships, this conversation hits hard.

🔥 Whether you're an entrepreneur, team leader, or just someone trying to find your place in the world, this episode will leave you thinking. Hard.

Timestamps & Hot Key Moments:

00:00 - Intro: Scaling the Business with Purpose 01:08 - "I don't need income, I need infrastructure." 03:11 - Building a business that doesn't fail other small businesses 05:24 - On refusing to sell products you don't believe in 08:35 - Why being a one-stop shop can kill your brand 10:00 - The power of specialized businesses under one roof 12:57 - Smart distribution: cutting out the middlemen 15:40 - Garage space debates & car dolly jokes 18:02 - Classic car appreciation meets business logic 20:10 - The $6M banana art rant 23:12 - "Flavor wow" only – what makes Coffee Junkiez special 26:55 - Loyalty through accountability: how mistakes are handled 30:20 - Trish on what sets Scared Rabbit and Vickers apart 34:42 - Training a team to own their screw-ups 37:50 - Why reputation is worth more than short-term profits 41:22 - The difference between a hire and a ride-or-die team member 45:30 - Jasan opens up about grief, business, and destiny 50:04 - Reflecting on paths not taken 53:30 - The search for a partner who accepts "too much" 56:44 - Funny behind-the-scenes manager battle talk 01:00:00 - Hands, feet, noses — Jasan's quirks in attraction 01:04:10 - On natural beauty and feminine energy 01:07:00 - Dating reflections: three times he felt "the spark" 01:10:42 - "I'm not chasing. I'm building." 01:13:30 - Crazy recognizes crazy – and that's not a bad thing 01:16:28 - Boring businesses win; boring relationships don't 01:19:20 - The bold bus purchase story 😂 01:21:15 - Creating "first-time" moments for your team 01:23:40 - Private jet vs prop plane: two different life lessons 01:26:13 - Wrapping up the ride: full circle reflections on team, love & legacy

🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if this episode made you think twice about how you lead, love, or live.

#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessJourney #TrishEpisode #CoffeeJunkiez #ScaredRabbit #RealTalk #SmallBusiness

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"Burnout is a luxury I never had." In this raw, honest episode of The Julius Filez, we go deep into the personal sacrifices behind building Coffee Junkiez and Pizza Junkiez. Jasan opens up about the real price of entrepreneurship — from mental health and regret to leadership and loyalty.

Whether you're a business owner, a dreamer, or someone in the middle of your own storm, this episode will either ground you… or wake you up. No fluff. No filters. Just truth.

👀 Key Moments with timestamps:

00:00:00 — "Burnout is a crock of sh*t" 00:00:49 — On cutting people out: protecting your energy and peace 00:01:14 — What it really means to create a 'safe space' in leadership 00:06:02 — Why buying Vickers nearly broke everything 00:08:13 — Why franchising had to wait: hard truths and distractions 00:09:44 — "There's worse than rock bottom" — regret, sacrifice, and reflection 00:14:05 — 99% failure rate: the brutal odds of entrepreneurship 00:20:19 — Mental + physical health before money. Always. 00:22:23 — "If I can't walk and breathe, what's the point of being alive?" 00:23:28 — Losing his son changed everything 00:25:32 — Where gratitude lives in business 00:29:01 — The truth about 'quitting' and redefining resilience 00:36:09 — Why not even his son gets a leadership role until he earns it 00:43:35 — Why he stepped away from the podcast: 'freedom from structure' 00:52:08 — Most people don't want truth — they want lies that feel good 00:56:01 — How franchising will fuel Scared Rabbit & Vickers' future 01:06:54 — "Borders shouldn't matter. Value should." 01:08:06 — "It's not a divide, it's an opportunity for experience." 01:09:27 — "All I do is take one step forward. Every single day."

🎧 Subscribe for more real talk, real leadership, and real stories. 📍 Powered by Coffee Junkiez & Pizza Junkiez.

In this emotional episode of Documenting the Journey (Chapter 2), we hear from Rebecca—the heart, and backbone of Coffee Junkiez & Pizza Junkiez. From the earliest days of the brand's creation to the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, she opens up about what it's really like to build something from the ground up—alongside your partner, your family, and your own evolving self.

📌 Topics Covered: ✅ The Emotional Reality of Starting a Business ✅ Leadership, Expectations & Unspoken Weight ✅ Why Personal Growth is the Hardest Part ✅ Building a Culture that Feels Like Home ✅ The Human Cost of Chasing a Dream ✅ From Trauma to Purpose: The Deeper Mission of Coffee Junkiez

🎬 Subscribe for more honest and unfiltered entrepreneurship stories. 🔔 LIKE & COMMENT

⏳ Key Moments & Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro Opening reflections: Why Chapter 2 hits differently.

01:10 – The Woman Behind the Brand How Rebecca became more than just Jasan's partner—she became the glue.

03:15 – Carrying the Weight What no one tells you about leadership, expectations, and pressure.

05:30 – "I Was the Only One Who Didn't Have a Job" How starting Coffee Junkiez challenged her identity and role.

08:22 – Building Culture from Pain Why Rebecca focused on creating a workplace that felt like home.

10:55 – Lessons in Leadership Owning your mistakes. Having the hard conversations. Letting people go.

14:40 – The Breaking Point From almost walking away… to choosing to grow.

17:05 – Doing Business with Your Spouse Navigating conflict, personal change, and evolving together.

19:35 – "We Had to Unlearn Survival Mode" How their trauma informed the mission behind their business.

22:15 – What Coffee Junkiez Means to Her Now Not just a business. Not just a brand. It's a place for healing.

24:45 – Final Reflections Rebecca's message to anyone building something that's breaking them in the process.

In this episode of Documenting the Journey (Chapter 2), we sit down with Jasan Julius, the visionary behind Coffee Junkiez & Pizza Junkiez. He shares raw insights on business growth, leadership, work ethic, and community impact. From building a brand for 19 years to future franchising plans, Jasan breaks down what it truly takes to run a successful business.

📌 Topics Covered: ✅ How Coffee Junkiez Gives Back to the Community ✅ Why Work Ethic & High Standards Matter ✅ The Challenges of Running a Small Business ✅ Expanding to New Locations & Franchising Plans ✅ The Importance of Creativity & Innovation in Business

🎬 Subscribe for More Business & Entrepreneurship Stories! 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE & COMMENT your thoughts below!

Intro & Welcome – Kicking off Chapter 2 of Documenting the Journey. Reflecting on 19 Years – Coffee Junkiez' journey from the start. How Coffee Junkiez Gives Back – Supporting the community behind the scenes. Creating a Culture of Excellence – Why work ethic matters more than a "safe space." Business Challenges & Myths – The real struggles of running a small business. Creativity & Innovation in Business – How flavors and branding evolve. Future Growth & Franchising Plans – Expanding Coffee Junkiez & Pizza Junkiez. The Power of a Strong Team – Why A players work with A players. Why Customers Keep Coming Back – It's not just about coffee and pizza—it's about people. Final Thoughts & Takeaways – What's next for Coffee Junkiez?

In this insightful interview, the founder of Coffee Junkiez and Pizza Junkiez shares his journey of entrepreneurship, the struggles of running a business, and the values that shape his leadership. From the challenges of hiring and firing to the unique story behind the famous Dorito Taco Pizza, this conversation highlights the importance of accountability, teamwork, and innovation in the food and beverage industry.

Discover what it takes to build a business that lasts, navigate the toughest moments, and create a company culture where employees feel valued beyond just being a number.

00:00:00 - 00:00:03 – Opening Question

• Have you ever been close to going out of business?

00:00:03 - 00:00:05 – Entrepreneurship Struggles

• "I don't have enough fingers and toes."

00:00:06 - 00:00:11 – Challenges of Letting Go

• Insights on hiring and firing struggles.

• Learning from a business coach about outsourcing difficult decisions.

00:00:19 - 00:00:23 – Innovation in Business

• The origin story of the Dorito Taco Pizza and how personal experiences influence menu creativity.

00:00:45 - 00:01:11 – Company Culture & Leadership

• Getting employees to understand the bigger picture.

• Aligning personal interests with the company's success.

00:01:11 - 00:01:30 – Documenting the Business Journey

• The importance of sharing business growth over time.

00:01:30 - 00:02:20 – Employee Recognition & Loyalty

• Appreciation for committed employees.

• The impact of work ethic and reliability on business success.

00:02:26 - 00:02:58 – The Challenges of the Food & Beverage Industry

• Managing stress and pressure in a high-paced environment.

• Finding and retaining reliable employees.

00:03:33 - 00:04:10 – Hiring Philosophy

• What traits are essential for a strong team?

• The importance of accountability, reliability, and teamwork.

00:05:12 - 00:06:06 – The Power of Passion & Practice

• How learning an instrument shaped problem-solving skills and perseverance.

00:07:30 - 00:08:11 – Keeping Passion as a Hobby vs. a Career

• The balance between passion and financial stability.

00:08:48 - 00:09:02 – Open Q&A: Business Insights

• Employee-led discussion with curiosity-driven questions.

00:09:06 - 00:11:12 – The Business of Dorito Taco Pizza

• How a childhood favorite evolved into a menu staple.

• The thought process behind making standout menu items.

00:11:56 - 00:13:07 – Considering Live Music at Coffee Junkiez

• Past experiences with live music and poetry readings.

• The challenges of organizing in-store events.

00:14:42 - 00:16:02 – What Makes a Great Employee?

• The challenge of finding the right candidates.

• The importance of accountability over victim mentality.

00:19:22 - 00:21:00 – Entrepreneurship Mindset & Success Principles

• The mindset shift required to build a long-lasting business.

• How to overcome failure and push forward.

00:29:02 - 00:31:02 – Surviving Near Business Failures

• Five times the business was close to shutting down.

• Lessons from staying resilient.

00:34:12 - 00:35:44 – The Loneliness of Leadership

• The burden of protecting employees from financial realities.

• How to maintain morale during tough times.

00:35:44 - 00:37:00 – What Other Businesses Could Have Been Created?

• Why food & beverage was the best fit for his background.

• Thoughts on other industries and their challenges.

00:40:46 - 00:42:19 – Customer Experience & Quality Control

• The philosophy behind consistency in every product.

• How to build long-term customer loyalty.

00:46:07 - 00:49:20 – Video Games & Business Strategy

• The transition from arcade classics to modern gaming.

• Parallels between gaming and business challenges.

00:50:52 - 00:53:20 – Passion vs. Competency in Business

• Why following competency over passion leads to success.

• Developing skills that later become passions.

00:55:50 - 00:58:28 – Building a Business Culture of Loyalty & Teamwork

• Why employees choose to work at Coffee Junkiez.

• The importance of seeing employees as more than just numbers.

01:01:03 - 01:03:32 – Final Thoughts: The Future of Coffee Junkiez & Pizza Junkiez

• The importance of consistency, culture, and customer loyalty.

• Why every product and experience matters.

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In this episode of Documenting the Journey, Brian—who has worked with Jasan for 8 years—steps into the spotlight. They dive deep into why Coffee Junkiez & Pizza Junkiez are finally using third-party delivery services, the hard lessons of leadership, and how waste can destroy businesses. Jasan also shares his take on inflation, manufacturing, and the changing economy—with unfiltered opinions you won't hear anywhere else. 💯🔥

Is third-party delivery killing small businesses? Is inflation really just about supply and demand? And what's the #1 thing that destroys businesses from the inside out? 🚨 Don't miss this candid conversation! 00:01 – Why Pizza Junkiez finally switched to third-party delivery services

00:42 – The decline of American manufacturing & its impact on small businesses

01:05 – Inflation & economic predictions for the next few years

01:32 – How Brian has worked with Jasan for 8 years & what he's learned

02:01 – Jasan's leadership philosophy: "I have to be me"

02:57 – Why trusting employees is hard for entrepreneurs

03:29 – Servant leadership & why it attracts the right people

05:56 – The struggle of letting go of control in business

07:06 – How small businesses can survive in a corporate world

08:56 – The real problem with third-party delivery apps & their hidden costs

10:40 – The laziness factor in modern consumer habits

12:54 – The impact of inflation and government policies on small businesses

17:04 – The true cost of manufacturing & energy prices

18:30 – Why waste kills all – Jasan's ultimate business mantra

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This is the raw, unfiltered story of an entrepreneur who built his business from the ground up—driven by loss, resilience, and an unbreakable will. From overcoming the tragedy of losing his son to navigating the brutal world of business, this conversation reveals the emotional and psychological cost of success.

💬 "The only way this business fails is if I die."

This isn't your typical business motivation talk—it's a reality check. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or just looking for inspiration, this story will challenge and move you.

📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - The Pain That Started It All 00:10 - Why This Business Can't Fail 00:24 - The Only Way It Ends 00:28 - The Secret Shopper Test 00:31 - Considering a Part-Time Job Just to Survive 00:39 - How the Name 'Coffee Junkiez' Came to Be 00:46 - Team Culture: Cakes and Celebrations 01:25 - Advice to My Younger Self 02:51 - The Harsh Reality of Entrepreneurship 05:10 - The One Life Hack for Success 05:26 - Can Anyone Do What I Do? 07:01 - The Dark Side of Entrepreneurship: Pain & Sacrifice 09:39 - Why Most People Should Avoid Business Ownership 12:26 - The Cost of Entrepreneurship: Losing Everything 17:10 - Where I See This Business in 10 Years 18:33 - Have I Ever Felt Like I 'Made It'? 22:16 - I Value Experiences, Not Things 23:25 - The Moment I Almost Gave Up 27:03 - Why This Business Represents My Son 29:15 - Why I Root for Other Entrepreneurs 33:01 - Do I Use Secret Shoppers? 34:18 - How I Came Up with the Name 39:06 - If My Son Had Lived, This Business Wouldn't Exist 42:58 - How One Decision Changed My Entire Life 46:11 - The Culture I Built Without Knowing It 48:21 - Why People Should Support This Business

👊 Subscribe for more real talk on business, leadership, and resilience. #Entrepreneurship #Motivation #RealTalk #CoffeeJunkiez

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What does it really take to build a successful business? In this episode of Documenting the Journey, we sit down with the founder of Coffee Junkiez and Pizza Junkiez to uncover the raw truth about entrepreneurship, sacrifices, and scaling a business.

From joking about a $1 million order at the drive-thru to sharing hard-earned lessons about business growth, team building, and customer loyalty—this conversation is packed with insights.

🔹 The importance of systems over people dependency 🔹 Why business is built on small sacrifices, not one big move 🔹 The toughest challenges of running a company 🔹 How Coffee Junkiez & Pizza Junkiez evolved over the years 🔹 The real reason behind business expansion strategies

⚡ If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or just someone who loves behind-the-scenes business stories, this one's for you!

📌 Subscribe for more insights into the business journey. #CoffeeJunkiez #PizzaJunkiez #BusinessLessons #Entrepreneurship #ScalingABusiness #DocumentingTheJourney

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In this episode of Documenting the Journey, we dive into powerful insights about leadership, chasing potential, and the realities of entrepreneurship with Skyler and Jasan. This is a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration and real talk about personal and professional growth.

00:00 - 00:00:26 - Skyler's thoughts on limitless potential and personal growth. 00:00:27 - 00:00:49 - What makes Coffee Junkiez unique: Smooth yet strong blends. 00:00:49 - 00:01:03 - The shift from 'live to work' to 'work to live.' 00:01:03 - 00:02:25 - Skyler's 6-year journey with Coffee Junkiez. 00:02:25 - 00:03:57 - Cross-training and the complexities of running a dual-brand business. 00:03:57 - 00:06:06 - Skyler's biggest pet peeve in life and work. 00:06:06 - 00:08:15 - The importance of pride in work and its impact on the team. 00:08:15 - 00:10:36 - How Jasan measures success beyond profits. 00:10:36 - 00:14:00 - The cost of believing in potential: Balancing second chances with team morale. 00:14:00 - 00:16:23 - The importance of personal energy and aligning with positive influences. 00:16:23 - 00:18:56 - The qualities that make a great leader: Accountability and setting the bar high. 00:18:56 - 00:22:21 - Dealing with failure: Reflect, learn, and move forward. 00:22:21 - 00:24:35 - How priorities shift over time and valuing mental health. 00:24:35 - 00:27:02 - What keeps Jasan motivated: A relentless drive to succeed. 00:27:02 - 00:30:16 - Using anxiety as a tool for focus and problem-solving. 00:30:16 - 00:32:57 - The real reason behind starting the podcast and its future. 00:32:57 - 00:39:17 - Lessons learned from business relationships and valuing connections. 00:39:17 - 00:44:32 - The journey of selecting the perfect coffee beans. 00:44:32 - 00:48:03 - The story behind Junkiez espresso: Crafting a unique flavor profile. 00:48:03 - 00:51:00 - Skyler's growth as a person and why she chooses to stay. 00:51:00 - 00:53:22 - How personal connections build loyalty and success. 00:53:22 - 00:54:30 - Closing thoughts: Powered by passion, coffee, and growth.