Coffee shop owners Hamish and Jen know what it means to have to bounce back after adversity. We caught up with this busy Christchurch couple at one of their Switch Espresso sites.
After losing everything during the Christchurch earthquakes and facing the prospect of unemployment, the reality of how far away the summit had become was a blinding truth for the couple, who have been together 20 years.
“When something like that happens, you assess your life and everything you have achieved. I didn’t think I could lose everything in one day, and I struggled to know how to respond,” said Hamish.
The devastating impact of the earthquakes changed the way Hamish and Jen viewed their business, Switch Espresso Christchurch, pushing them to work harder than ever to ensure their small business survived. “We suddenly understood that we couldn’t always be in control of everything, and starting thinking quicker; processing faster.”
Their tenacity and determination, coupled with a ‘working smarter, not harder’ attitude has helped them develop into one of the busiest and most popular coffee shops in the Christchurch region, with 33 colleagues across three sites.
Hamish, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, works together with Jen, a teacher, to support young people who they believe can gain useful and valuable life skills working in their industry.
The colourful couple talks us through their advice and how a holistic approach to your business can unlock your success.
- “I am a big fan of encouraging personal development in yourself and in your team. This is a really valuable way of growing a team that is on the same page as you, and who have goals and ideas of their own.”
- “A supportive culture is hugely important and can have a significant impact on your team and business. When the s*** hits the fan, especially during an event like the earthquakes, everyone looks to the boss. The pressure is massive.”
- “On the same note as a supportive culture, I think this goes hand in hand with you as a boss understanding that role – providing support, rationale, organisation and direction. Remaining calm and clear.”
- “Get online. I don’t just mean a website and social media – I meant the cloud. Keep important documents and filing in the cloud in addition to in your desk. We are not always in control and losing all of your important documents in a natural disaster or a fire is another time-consuming and stressful situation/issue you have to deal with. It makes sense in our digital time.”
- “If you have the time and/or money, travel. Take some time and travel around to understand your place in the world. It is truly eye-opening.”
- “Keep an eye on your numbers. Yes, you can get someone else to help you, but ensure you can see what is happening daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly/annually.”
- “Hang out with your family. Sometimes we just get in the car and go for a cruise with the kids. Escape and reflect and take time to enjoy your life.”
- “Last but not least: Grind your coffee fresh and enjoy with friends.”
