In today’s episode, Jeff interviews Chris Deferio of the Keys to the Shop Podcast. Twenty three years ago Chris was in ministry school and turned to coffee to help fuel his studies. Over time Chris discovered that he could taste the different origin of the coffee. Chris really liked the coffee bar experience and decided to go into coffee as a career and the rest is history!

Chris and Jeff discuss:

1. Chris started over two decades ago using coffee to help him fuel his studies in ministry school.
2. Fueled with caffeine, Chris discovered he could taste the difference in the origins of the coffee.
3. Chris was fascinated by the coffee shop experience and started working in coffee as a career.
4. Chris competed as a barista and was a trainer and manager throughout his career.
5. In 2016 Chris started the Keys to the Shop podcast about operating a coffee shop.
6. Today Chris is consulting and podcasting.
7. Chris consults with people who want to start a coffee shop and people who have a coffee shop but need help working through challenges.

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would probably start a podcast.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not marketing myself very well.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Bruce Tulgan's book called It's okay to be the boss and Leadership and self-deception by the Arbinger Institute.”
4. What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “Google drive.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “Freedom to me feels like not the absence of responsibility or duty but the fulfillment that you receive from those things and the idea that you're receiving joy through service.”
6. What is the best way to contact you? “Website: keystotheshop.com; email chris@keystotheshop.com.”

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

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