Honoring the Past, Brewing the Future: The Coffee at the Crossing Story
In this episode, host Todd Rimer sits down with husband-and-wife team Brian and Ja'Nene Gillam, the enthusiastic entrepreneurs and owners behind Coffee at the Crossing, located at a busy intersection in McCordsville, Indiana. Together, they will share the journey of transforming a historic caboose into a thriving local coffeehouse rooted in family legacy, creativity, and community connections.
We will hear how Ja'Nene's father's entrepreneurial influence shaped her values and inspired her vision for Coffee at the Crossing. She will also reveal the personal connection between her love for model trains and the coffeehouse's unique branding. Brian and Ja'Nene discuss the challenges they faced in the early days, the lessons learned from being "all in," and how their hands-on approach prepared them for the road (or tracks) ahead.
We will learn their strategies for building a sustainable and scalable business, from creating systems and empowering their team to achieving work-life balance as business owners. They also will reflect on the role of integrity in maintaining quality, building trust, and creating a culture of accountability.
Finally, Brian and Ja'Nene will highlight the impact of community support on their success, sharing heartwarming customer stories and the ways Coffee at the Crossing has become a local gathering place. As they look to the future, Ja'Nene and Brian discuss their goals for continuing their family legacy and growing a business that's as meaningful as it is sustainable.
This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, business owners, coffee enthusiasts, and anyone inspired by the power of passion, community, and legacy in business.