We had the pleasure of sitting down with the Shaw family, the driving force behind Coffee Beanery, a family-owned business that's been brewing coffee for over 40 years. The conversation was a delightful blend of laughter, memories, and insights into their roles within the company.

Kevin Shaw, the patriarch of the family, humorously introduced himself as the one who does whatever Laurie, his wife, tells him to do. His cheerful demeanor sets the tone for the conversation.

Laurie Shaw, the CEO of Coffee Beanery, shared her incredible journey within the company. Starting as an executive secretary, she worked her way up through various roles, from fundraising to marketing and store operations. She now jokingly refers to her role as overseeing "the coffee world," and her passion for the business is evident.

Their children have also played integral roles in the business:

• Britain has spent over a decade at Coffee Beanery, starting in a store during her college years and now working in e-commerce while balancing motherhood.
• Logan, the head roaster and manager of the production facility, started as a store employee and exemplifies the family's "wear many hats" ethos.
• Houston, who handles new business and assists with store operations, climbed the ranks from a store employee to managing two stores.
• Branson, responsible for distribution, ensures that Coffee Beanery's freshly roasted coffee reaches customers promptly.

• London, who works as a Chief Stew on a yacht in Florida, wasn't present during the conversation, but her adventurous career was proudly mentioned.

We also met the youngest members of the family:

• Sedona, a sixth-grader, helps with coffee-related tasks and earns her fair share.
• Ella, the youngest, made a brief appearance during the conversation.

The Shaw family engaged in a fun game of "most likely to," sharing amusing anecdotes and insights into their personalities:

• From Monopoly meltdowns to surviving a zombie apocalypse, their candid responses showcased their close bond.
• They playfully discussed language learning, gambling, movie preferences, and potential future inventions.
• They recognized their appreciation for their loyal customers and supporters, acknowledging the challenges faced by small businesses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Coffee Beanery family clearly values their extended family of customers and considers them an essential part of their journey.