How He Started a Coffee Business (With $1,800)

Maxwell Mooney opened his first Narrative Coffee cart in 2015 with just $1,800. Now they’ve just opened their second brick-and-mortar coffee shop, and are bringing in an average revenue of more than $80,000 a month. Wondering how he grew his coffee business? Watch this video to find out!
This video is sponsored by TailorBrands. Use code "upflip40" for 40% off at check out! Click here tailorbrands.com/upflip to get your business started today!
This video is sponsored by Fiverr, a top marketplace for business owners to find the freelance talent you need to grow your business to the next level.
Maxwell was a coffee geek well before opening a coffee shop. As a world-class barista, he’s competed and placed at a number of barista championships, so when he decided to become a business owner, a café was a logical choice. After starting with a coffee cart in 2015, they opened their first full café in Everett in 2017, expanding to a second location in Bellingham earlier this year.
In this interview, we’ll get Maxwell’s insider insight into starting a coffee shop business. We’ll find out how he made the most of his initial coffee cart investment, and how much it cost to expand that into a brick-and-mortar. That expansion also meant growing the team, and we’ll learn how he attracts and retains skilled baristas, along with his advice on the best marketing approaches to bring in new customers.
One major ingredient in Narrative Coffee’s success are their foundational systems that help them maintain quality across their coffee shop business. We’ll learn how Maxwell developed these systems, as well as the tools and software he uses to manage workflow across multiple locations. Anyone interested in the coffee industry will learn a lot from this interview! And if you want to hear more insights into owning a coffee shop, check out some of our past owner interviews:
How to Start A 7-Figure Coffee Business ►
• How To Start A 7-Figur...
Behind the Scenes of a $24,000 a Month Coffee Shop Business ►
• Behind The Scenes Of a...
Resources:
narrative.coffee/ - Find out more about Narrative Coffee on their website
www.upflip.com/academy - Start, Build & Grow Your Business
www.upflip.com/blog/opening-a... - Our ultimate guide to starting a coffee business
www.upflip.com/equipment-list... Premier Equipment List
slack.com/ - The preferred productivity software of Narrative Coffee and small businesses across the United States
joinhomebase.com/ - Scheduling, payroll, and HR app for small businesses
gusto.com/ - Tool for managing your payroll, benefits, and employees
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:53 How Maxwell Got Into Coffee
1:38 How To Overcome Business Struggles
2:05 Systems and Processes
4:06 Key Things Maxwell Has Learned
5:06 Tips on Starting with a Coffee Cart
6:38 Tricks to Exceptional Customer Experience
7:26 How To Get More Retail Sales
8:41 How To Keep Customers Coming Back
9:41 the Benefits of Your Community
11:31 Let’s Talk Numbers
12:22 The Key To FREE Advertising
13:46 Tips for Beginners on a Budget
14:47 Reaching the Breakeven Point
16:12 The Importance of Systems
16:51 Blitz Time with Maxwell!
19:21 Choosing The Right Merchandise
20:25 How To Keep Employees Happy
21:35 How To Not Lose Efficiency
22:29 Where To Find Quality Suppliers
23:02 Maxwell’s Best Sellers
24:07 The Must-Have SOPs
25:22 Key Software and Tools
26:38 How To Deal with Inflation
27:33 The Benefits of a Tip Pool
28:41 The MUST-HAVE Equipment
29:37 Advice Maxwell Wants You To Know
30:54 What You Can Expect with Profit Margins
31:46 How To Fill The Need
32:55 The Trick to Scaling Smoothly
34:06 Business Owner Struggles
34:43 The Importance of Review
35:54 Time Management Tips
36:41 Advice to Entrepreneurs
#coffeeshop #coffeebusiness #openingacoffeeshop

[@UpFlip]

Big thanks to @tailorbrands for sponsoring this video! Use code “upflip40” for 40% off at check out! Click here tailorbrands.com/upflip to get your business started today!

[@Willsimp4tacos]

Great video as always. As an aspiring business owner I have a lot of questions around loans and financing. Would like to see UpFlip get more specific on this topic in interviews when the opportunity is there. Thanks!

[@melkamualemu8071]

Hey brother thank you for sharing this kind of vedio. I am from Ethiopia and my dad is working on coffee business and also I want to continue it with better quality. If possible recommend me the way that I can get the knowledge.

[@jasonhamguien]

Where

[@jasonhamguien]

Where is that coffee show

[@jasonhamguien]

I like this show it's good I want to go ther CV drink coffee talk ther

[@chronicmango]

To clarify to everyone - When I said I didn’t have coffee experience, I meant that when I first started researching and learning about it in a serious way, I didn’t have any coffee experience. I taught myself how to make espresso and latte art from reading forums and watching videos, etc. I then got a coffee job as a barista, then moved into coffee education and directing coffee before I launched Narrative to the general public.

[@tzakkurtzky9246]

after you got a job as a barista, when did you decide to make your own coffee shop?

[@ashwinibharate1945]

I need job barista

[@SRC503]

Great work bro! How long did you train as Barista before deciding to launch?

[@lorguescafe]

Max would you ever consider sharing your CoGS template for me to use as a guide, very inspired by your video & know how. @lorguescafe

[@AdrianR.A]

Thanks for sharing this to us! You helped people achieving theirs dreams

[@KevinFremon]

I’m impressed with Max. The dude is super smart and running this like a high performing tech startup. Best coffee shop interview yet.

[@kevinpowell9103]

F is w exactly

[@eckemanable]

it feels like he invented the new starbucks tbh

[@makeyourmark00]

I totally agree. He is so good at measuring what he manages and evaluating execution, I wonder if he's looked at and done the math on selling reusable coffee tumblers tied to a coffee club/rewards program. My sense is he can structure it where club participation will pay for any related discounts while increasing lvc/traffic and reducing paper cup costs.

[@TheGlobalExplorer1]

😊

[@silvertree2189]

Excellent interview. Also honest, resourceful and inspiring and i'm only 1/2 through the video. Keep it up!

[@jamesmurphy9772]

Successful people don't become that way overnight. What most people see at a glance- wealth, a great career, purpose-is the result of hard work and hustle over time. I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life..

[@randiaune5219]

Assets that can make one successful in life

[@randiaune5219]

I.bitcoin 2.Stocks 3. forex

[@lindaedi6320]

@@randiaune5219 You're right

[@lindaedi6320]

But I don't know why people remain poor due to ignorance

[@levinhuber973]

people are really making a lot of money from it... . .

[@danielfchen8895]

Wow amazing. Maxwell just gave away the secret to running a successful business. I own and operate my own company and 95% of what he said is something you cant learn from school. Honestly well done

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching Daniel. We're so happy that this information will be so helpful to others pursuing their dreams of business ownership. 😀What type of company do you have?

[@flynnnixon1246]

What was the secret??

[@relaxingnature6766]

It’s in the sauce 😂

[@erinfield1943]

You can't learn 95% of what he said in school? What? Where do you think he learned all that?

[@SRC503]

@@erinfield1943you don’t learn business in business school. He probably learned spreadsheets in school though and learned everything else online and trial and error

[@maverickcruise]

Felt like this was a tech startup more than a Coffee shop. This guy is so well organized and passionate about his business.

[@joelwillis2043]

meh standard

[@timbren2809]

this is the standard, if you don't setup your business up like this is will fail

[@oldmate99]

He has a spreadsheet, so cool!

[@princealmighty5391]

​@@joelwillis2043meh your mum

[@princealmighty5391]

​@@joelwillis2043I bet you can't do a 1/4 of what he is doing

[@zlatan_2197]

Maxvell is such a great person. He's very generous with his knowledge and experience, and that's sadly hard to find nowadays. He's also extremely capable business owner, with amazing systems implemented in the business.

[@UpFlip]

Thank you for your kind works Zlatan. We're sure he appreciates it. 😀Would you ever consider starting a business like this one?

[@zlatan_2197]

@@UpFlip Well being in med school and considering that I don't have that 'business gene', I don't think I would 😅. But I do enjoy management in medicine, and creating functional systems, so I enjoyed Maxvell's thought process about systems he implements to raise efficiency and productivity while keeping employees happy.

[@TheGlobalExplorer1]

😀

[@TheGlobalExplorer1]

😊

[@hudsanity_1590]

he seems pretty pretentious to me

[@windhoek_stallion8455]

Max is a really amazing person. I come from the hospitality business and I'm amazed how open, sincere and forthright he is. That interview was a masterclass in coffee shop startup and operation and he did it for the sake of helping others. God bless this man.

[@aetherfloats]

I got to watch Max start from the very bottom and work his way up. So proud of him and how far he's gotten! I know Mom was super proud too and would've loved to see the business grow and grow! Love him very much and am proud to call myself his sibling!

[@UpFlip]

That's very sweet! ☺️

[@hzlkelly]

❤❤❤

[@Rufuluss]

I shared a like for the pure fact that Max was willing to share the spreadsheet with the viewers, you not only offer the content of the video, but also content from those that you are interviewing free of cost. That's awesome

[@encarnacion3612]

did you get the sheet if so can you please please forward it to me. I would appreciate it so much. Thank you

[@quantumC0d3]

With $1,800 with a small donation from his church valuated at $20,000. So in reality it takes $21,800 to truly get started.

[@mohamedkabha8838]

Which is peanuts

[@ahmxtb]

First met Max back when he was still operating out of the coffee stall. He's a great entrepreneur and skilled coffee shop owner!

[@TheGlobalExplorer1]

☺️

[@DJ_BROBOT]

As a former coffee exec in the PNW..this is spot on and a excellent blueprint to others tryna come up in the business...most folks online would make you pay for this treasure trove of info. Bless up to Max...and I've been to this location during the Rona. Glad they were able to take those plastic partitions down

[@AngelRodriguez-ty4ki]

Dude what an awesome and intelligent guy. Having people so willing to help/ mentor is so rare now and this helped a lot. Also great informative video, my wife and I have been motivated to start a coffee shop/ truck with our church to not only have our dreams come true but to help our community through fund raising and give aways. This helps so much. Thanks to the both of you!

[@weideng5292]

I am a process engineer. This dude knows everything about efficiency, layout design, and quality control. What really impressed me is that he make it as part of his business DNA!

[@UpFlip]

Well-said! He truly knows his stuff!

[@kookiesfriend]

Seriously impressed by how much thought he put into the cafe & customer experience. It's truly a rarity to see it at this level.

[@GSP-76]

Max is 100% right in not branding in house cups. Theres no need and using cups and utensils that mimic what you use at home is always better.

[@IPoopOnYouEveryLastOneOfYou]

We want more of the execution details like planning the look of their store, finding contractors to handle it, working out their financing and funding to even get started, you want all those extra details, how they selected machines tools and other stuff they use in their business, etc.

[@cecilhinds6751]

Learn how to properly use the search engine ask how what when and keep and eye on the reviews of what ever it is your looking for

[@waltermh111]

2 things. This channel does have articles that may go in depth, and a podcast that goes deeper into some businesses But second thing is, this is more of an inspirational channel, not a how to channel. There are so many free videos online, but more importantly, some relatively cheap paid courses (usually around $500 and you can deduct it from your taxes as a business expense) so if you want everything in one place, find one of those. Uplift links quite a few from their website and from the video of any interviewee that has one.

[@pranavpatel1369]

1. Improve - interview entrepreneurs in the early stages 2. Tool - an audio book/podcast on revisiting entrepreneurs you interviewed, a few years later

[@ZackScriven]

Just started my Mobile Detailing Business (For Tesla’s Only) here in Salt Lake City for just $1,200! Let’s go!

[@UpFlip]

WOW thats awesome, let us know how it goes for you! BTW we'll be going to Sal Lake City in June, if you can scale it quick enough we'll come and interview you ;)

[@mr.respect1238]

Why limit your business, especially at the start?

[@andreydunin6712]

Maxwell is an incredible guy, I love how deep he dove into understanding not just coffee but the processes and most importantly customer experience. What an inspiration!

[@UpFlip]

Thank you Andrey.😀We're sure Maxwell appreciates it as well. Customer experience is so important and can ultimately make or break a business. This business was a great example of a good customer experience. Should we do more videos in this industry?

[@ai41378]

@@UpFlip Yes, you absolutely should do more videos in this industry! :)

[@keystotheshop]

Maxwell is one of our industry's absolute best. So happy to see this!

[@UpFlip]

That's very nice of you Keys to the Shop. This industry has really been on the rise. 😀How long have you been in the industry?

[@keystotheshop]

@@UpFlip Crazy to think but it's been 22 years

[@sheikhsamee]

I love this guys attention to detail. That's how you run a successful business. I hope I meet him and shake his hand one day

[@chronicmango]

It would be my honor, friend!

[@UpFlip]

That's very nice of you Sheik. 😀Thanks for stopping by the channel today. Stay tuned next Monday for another great show.

[@sheikhsamee]

@@chronicmango would be my honour 🙏

[@sheikhsamee]

@@UpFlip amazing content guys really love your work. Are you guys planning to do anything in the UK? Would love to see that

[@therealpaulreiser]

As a business owner and video enthusiast I LOVE your channel! The details you get about business operations are fantastic! Your video production has continued to improve and is AMAZING. The lighting, transitions, pacing, camera motion and audio are absolutely top level... and this video took lighting to a new level. Can you add the camera / video production gear you use to your resources section of the description? Thanks very much for the great content!

[@UpFlip]

We really appreciate the attention to detail The Sonic Guy. You Rock. 😀⭐👍We'll add as much information as we can about the equipment. What type of industry are you in?

[@therealpaulreiser]

@@UpFlip Until 9 months ago I owned 38 Sonic Drive - ins, it's a drive in restaurant concept. We sold the business. Now I'm leaning into my KZbin channel. I'm in the process of changing the channel from being at my drive ins, to broader business advice. Again, LOVE your channel, great work. It's very inspiring for me to see your content continue to improve... I really admire that because it has been great all along, but you continue to work for better over all quality and production value.

[@therealpaulreiser]

@@georgecamping Our average profit was about 10% as well. My high volume stores doing over $2 million could hit 20%, but my low volume stores under $1 million struggle to break even. I was wondering how he did that much profit in such a nice building doing less than $1 million in sales, then I heard his amazing rent! 4%, wow! And no advertising cost and franchise fee. What is your Pizza business? Franchise or independent?

[@chronicmango]

Not sure if they were able to get back to you or not but this was shot with no artificial lighting. My shop has crazy good lighting. The videographer was running an A7s and a GH5. The A7 was on a handheld gimbal, gh5 on a tripod. Most of it was on the A7. The audio was from some lav mics, I think they were rode, if I recall correctly.

[@therealpaulreiser]

@@chronicmango thanks for the info! Great idea building all that natural light into your design and your building is absolutely gorgeous! Great “Instagram bait”! Wishing you much continued success!

[@redwhaleage]

Wow this dude's openness and transparency about his business is amazing. Also very much appreciated!

[@stephenfarrell9166]

So, just get gifted a $7000 espresso machine...got it.

[@pantomouth]

I ❤ This Upflip Channel. You guys can never stop these interviews now! You must keep showing us different success stories.

[@ChefsBackyard]

Such amazing content. Thank you for putting in so much work to make such amazing content! Much respect 🙏

[@nixdapogs]

Thank you for sharing your best practices! Loved the subtle details such as putting the retail before or after the POS. More power to you the best of luck to everyone’s endeavors on here🙏🏻💰💵

[@Strafe007]

UpFlip, your page has been the most educational experience I have had in my life, aside from work experience. I appreciate your productions very much!! Maxwell, you're business approach is brilliant and I am grateful for you taking time to work with UpFlip to do this video.

[@UpFlip]

This is so pleasing to hear Strafe007. We are grateful that our videos have gotten such positive and uplifting feedback. We genuinely thank you for taking time out of your day to watch the video and we're so happy you enjoyed it. 😀⭐We wish you all the best. What would you like to see more of on the channel?

[@jyanharris7957]

I like your humbleness saying communication is your weekend because this has been one of the most informative from the numbers & business side that I've seen in a while! I really like watching this and I'm not opening a coffee ☕ shop!!

[@erapracillia4411]

Thank you UpFlip and Max for the video. Inspiring and very detail. We learn a lot. Thanks!!

[@rogerstith8075]

This channel is awesome. I'm hooked and more motivated than ever!

[@UpFlip]

You're just as Awesome Roger. 😀We really love seeing great and honest feedback and we appreciate you taking the time to watch. What are some of your business goals for the year?

[@cadelegat]

Love Maxwell, Narrative, and the whole staff there. Probs the best cafe in WA

[@UpFlip]

Wonderful Cade. 😀 We love to hear when someone has a great experience with a business. Thanks for tuning in. What's your favorite item on the menu?

[@cadelegat]

@@UpFlip always getting a nice cortado with a wild espresso and a breakfast sandwhich

[@girlsondesign357]

These interviews are so insightful. Great tips every time, thank you.

[@colleengarcia7752]

You asked such great questions. Max was so great offering information. He could have held his cards close to his chest. What a great guy!!

[@2011201120112013]

This channel is worth much more than the case studies that business professors teach at MBA schools. Great job

[@UpFlip]

We really appreciate that 20112011. We're overjoyed that the videos have been so informative for so many others. 😀What types of other companies would you like to see featured on the channel?

[@lopez8971]

I LOVE THIS INTERVIEW!! I've been dreaming of opening a coffee shop in my neighborhood over the last 2 years. We moved to a brand new neighborhood without much comercial options within 4 miles. I keep telling people I know I dream of this and the associate pastor at my church said I should pitch them putting up a pop up stand in the church. I was amazed that they trust me enough to do that but at the same time I'm scared to start even though I have a lot of support at church and friends. One of my friends owns a coffee shop already on the other side of town and is willing to get me in front of the right people. But again, my family is relying on my income to live. I know it would be great! I just need to find a person I trust to help run it along side with me so I can maintain my insurance career at the same time since it's not demanding at all.

[@brittanys505]

I'll agree with you that it can be very scary to start! I'm curious where are you from? I was thinking about doing a snack stand but I decided I want to operate something a bit bigger.

[@jonesperformancefitness]

This is the absolute best one so far for the coffee startup videos! Awesome in-depth information and it all makes perfect sense.

[@MyTrader_Life23]

May you grow to many more locations, sharing is caring. Keep it up Narrative Coffee. Thank you UpFlip for this great episode.

[@CieraVonDera]

Seriously the best motivation video for me. Maxwell seriously are an expert, informative in what he does. Great video UpFlip

[@UpFlip]

Thank you Hano and thanks so much for watching. We're so happy this video motivated you. It's always good to see a business from an owner perspective. 😀Are you or would you get into this type of industry?

[@MMcClellan9207]

I’m in the startup phase of opening my coffee house and this has been a wealth of knowledge thanks for a great interview!

[@JMathew21]

I just watched one of your other videos and then watched this. You ask the perfect questions and almost seems like you as the questions that I am jut about to ask. Your coverage of asking every important question in detail is remarkable. I just subbed.

[@johnneh80]

Really enjoy these videos, coming from someone who is interested in following in these guys footsteps and open my own cart/coffee shop in the future. It always helps calm nerves seeing others become successful doing the very same thing I intend to do, with similar ideas. I may have to take him up on the email to get that spreadsheet in the future! Congrats on the business and I’m going to have to visit the Bellingham store someday as I live just north in canada. Thank you for the content!

[@UpFlip]

This really puts a smile on our faces johnneh80. 😀😀 We believe you'll do great as a business owner and we wish you all the best. We're so glad these videos are relatable and inspiring to you. Have you started working on your business plan?

[@sugameltpastriescoffee7186]

Involving family especially children in the business that actually provides for them really is a huge educational opportunity for the kids

[@nixdapogs]

This is the first UpFlip video I’ve watched and after checking the channel’s contents I could safely say that I’m at the best part of the internet. Subbed!

[@junebush9228]

Thank you for sharing ! Cheering on your continued success with your staff. You guys are one “ Team “ 👍

[@Buddha_Approved]

Your an awesome dude maxvell! You should continue to have huge success in a steady focused pace!!

[@sugameltpastriescoffee7186]

We can swear by the Excel matrix, we measure everything we use as well. Thank you so much for this video just incredible value for cafe owners

[@rowzman]

Greetings from the UK! I don’t think anyone will see this, but I really appreciate taking the time going into the granular details of opening a coffee house - so many things that I would not have thought about or considered. In terms of improving the overall KZbin channel, I am FAR from being an expert on these things but I would recommend shooting some more B-Roll as some of the shots were reused and were extremely noticeable (for e.g. when Maxwell is flipping through the binder, the shot of the barista filling up the blue coffee cup, the shot of the egg sandwich and a few others) I know this might be more work for your long form content but - it’s just a thought Once again an absolutely amazing and detailed interview for someone that would like to go into the coffee business. So many golden nuggets that I will definitely if I ever open a coffee shop. Anyway that’s all!

[@laowaibaba]

Great video, very informative, and inspirational for inspiring entrepreneurs! Thanks to UpFlip for the video production and to Maxwell Mooney and crew for letting us see behind the scenes on how to run and grow a coffee business. Epic!

[@UpFlip]

Glad you love this video! Your appreciation means a lot to us and motivates us to continue producing content like this. ☺️

[@bigbarod8013]

Loved watching this video because Narrative is everything I hoped it was. The experience here is so well curated and it's amazing to see it's not by accident!

[@UpFlip]

We really appreciate that BigBarod. 😀😀 We so glad you're enjoying the content. Would you ever start a business in this industry?

[@TheGlobalExplorer1]

☺️

[@Demipurr]

how sweet of Maxwell to share his spreadsheet and to share his business knowledge! I really aspire him

[@UpFlip]

We agree Demi. He's a great business owner and very transparent. 😀Thank you for watching. Would you ever start a business in this industry?

[@frankxaoz1286]

This dude rocks. Willing to help cause he extremely confident on his product. Much respect bro. Let’s goooooo

[@EverythingHR]

WOW! The organization and efficiencies that Maxwell uses is great! The attention to detail here is excellent.

[@ryann5197]

Maxwell seems like he came from an accounting background. High emphasis on efficiencies, process improvements, and insane details

[@chronicmango]

While I do a lot of accounting these days, I came from working at McDonalds and learned most of this stuff while working there, as a regular employee. It's amazing what you can learn when you just keep your eyes open.

[@ryann5197]

@@chronicmango Inspiring my friend! I’m in the accounting field and would love to own a cafe. Practicing coffee making at home first before I make a leap!

[@thepatriotickenyan1]

Hi Maxwell, am an African who’s looking to make extra income through selling coffee. Our African coffee has such a sweet aroma and doesn’t have a bitter taste I found in other brands of coffee that I tried in the past. Not sure whether to use dropshipping or start a coffee shop? Do you offer mentorship classes? If so, how much do you charge? Thanks

[@xsims45]

​@@thepatriotickenyan1let's do business

[@alimarketingcoach]

This is a master class. Always wanted to start a cafe. You're helping people all the way in Asia too 🚀🏆 Thanks

[@brittanys505]

I also want to open a cafe since there aren't any in my area.

[@XInfantryman]

That was a really nice interview. It's cool that he shared so much info.

[@deeveeuhs]

Wow what an awesome video! So many gems of information. Kudos to both Maxwell and this channel for providing such valuable information in such a simple and entertaining way. I just got started on my journey of opening my first coffee shop and this video gave me so many takeaways. Thank you!

[@UpFlip]

Congrats Alexander.😀😀 This is amazing news and we couldn't be more happy for you. 🎉🎉We're so glad the video was helpful. Have you started a business plan?

[@tracyann5349]

Great episode! Congrats to Maxwell and his team on a fantastic business. I’m from Melbourne (Australia) and this gorgeous coffee shop would fit right in down in our part of the world. I also appreciate how much Maxwell values his team - that come across strongly in this episode. 👏 Keep on succeeding team!

[@3lazawa2ak20]

Good

[@3lazawa2ak20]

Forward

[@Discovalance]

I wish Maxwell the best.... He learned well. He's a good guy and a great American. You don't see much of that these days.

[@doloreseducation9068]

Willing to share the work sheet! - What a legend, now I know why people love him!

[@Samuri5hit84]

A lot of what he does is standard to running a good business in today's time. That being said it's never a bad thing to add passion to your business. That's the truly special part about what he's doing.

[@rafaelrodrigues7314]

Congratulations, I really love this channel. Regarding the questions in the video, I would say: 1) i think you do great, but it would be awesome to have subtitles in other languages. I know many people in Brazil that would love to watch you guys if there was a Portuguese subtitle. 2) I think any kind of spreadsheets that helps managing a small business is very useful for beginners. Please, keep doing great!!

[@PM_Doug]

Love your content and would love to see a facility/property management startup. Two things I think would help make this channel experience grow. #1 show more about profits and not just focusing on revenue. #2 it would be cool to see some videos of bought and flipped businesses.

[@UpFlip]

Great idea, we'll try to find someone!

[@joshstutesman4167]

Incredible video! I'm wanting to open up a cafe at one point in life and I've learned so much, and had so much reinforced, by watching this video and hearing Max's journey. Thank you!

[@UpFlip]

We're thrilled to know that our videos can make a difference. We hope you carry these lessons with you and use them to achieve your goals. Cheers to your success! 🔥

[@moosehead6147]

I"m really surprised by how open and detailed the information was shared. Thank you.

[@oyster3145]

Maxwell seems like a super capable and forward thinking business owner, also his coffee shops look great. As for the two questions: 1. I think improvement could come by taking a deeper dive into the financials of what it take to expand on an already operating business (e.g. what it would take for Maxwell to open another location, ROI, would it be self-financed or not etc.) 2. Build a business tool that connects aspiring business owners to experienced business owners in a similar field to allow for a 1-1 discussion

[@UpFlip]

These are both great suggestions oyster31. Thank you so much. 😀 We try and provide as much details in the videos as we can without making them too long. Do you feel we should do a video geared towards finances only?

[@violettownmicroenterprises1528]

do you mean like a mentor system ? Interesting...

[@violettownmicroenterprises1528]

a money / financing segment would be good... especially if as well as being detailed, it was also broad (hone-in AND cast your eyes broadly across the 'global' financial landscape.

[@oyster3145]

@@UpFlip That'd be something! I'm in property development (mainly), and seeing more construction / property businesses financials would be great! Thank you. 😀

[@mdstrobe]

Yes, of course. I'd like to see this as looking into the financials without being gifted anything. Brilliant marketer and entrepreneur, but it sounded like he got a lot of help along the way (free cart, winning coffee competitions, etc.)

[@whitecedarteas3895]

I watched a video he did with Wilson Lee. We hadn't opened our tea business at the time, but that video encouraged me to think bigger for our business. We opened in April of 2022 and we're planning on opening a retail location in the new year followed by a tea house.

[@whitecedarteas3895]

I just wanted to add how much I love learning from Max, he really knows his stuff and it inspires me. My girls and I can't wait to open up our tea house!

[@chronicmango]

This is so sweet. Thank you for sharing! I hope to sip tea in your shop soon enough!

[@whitecedarteas3895]

@@chronicmango That would the bee's knees! I'd also love to drink some coffee at Narrative Coffee with my girls and explore the west coast of course. :)

[@zandz]

Loved watching. Thanks for making the video. Max is very impressive and love the systems thinking!

[@UpFlip]

Glad you enjoyed it Z&Z. Thanks so much for watching and providing such nice feedback. Are there any ways you feel we can improve the channel?

[@TheCarlrivera]

As someone preparing to start a business myself and who watches a lot of KZbin this was very insightful. It was a lot of info at a good pace without being overwhelming and can translate beyond coffee. Glad to see something that inspires me to try something new.

[@UpFlip]

Glad you enjoyed it! What business are you looking to get into?

[@balex556]

well one of the most effective ways to engage,and boost your sales is creating website and an app to brand your business and am an expert I can help you with this services

[@janetruth5317]

Despite the economic Recession, I'm financially in the best shape of my life, making over $107k in the last 2months with a capital of $39,000. Even in a bear market, profits can be achieved. Maximize your use of it.

[@janetruth5317]

@Alexander Aiden It's by simply :nvesting in the st0cks and Crypt0 market,with the help of my advisor.

[@janetruth5317]

@Alexander Aiden Personally,i trade with Victoria.L.Davies . Her services are exceptional and her returns are great

[@janetruth5317]

@Alexander Aiden You can connect with her on what'saap

[@janetruth5317]

+135

[@janetruth5317]

2641

[@Justin-qf9ip]

It would be great to show management/consulting businesses, mini marts/supermarket; also car dealership especially luxury niches. Finally this show is perfect and no need for improvements. Thanks!

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for the suggestions, all these topics are on our list!

[@carlosaldrete4960]

Underrated channel for sure thanks for all the great business knowledge guys 👍🏻

[@UpFlip]

Our pleasure Carlos. Thanks for watching. 😀Are there any business types you'd like us to feature in future videos?

[@dianahernandez2601]

Thanks for transparency and sharing so much information about his journey. Very impressed.

[@UpFlip]

So glad you enjoyed Diana. 😀We appreciate you watching. We want all our videos to provide valuable information, be relatable, and be enjoyable. Please let us know if there's any way we can improve our content!?

[@paulbulanovUpFlip]

FYI it was soooo cold while filming this it’s no joke you guys!

[@LoayOmari]

Okay … this man is just freaking brilliant… like watching this video is so much fun … and the owner is so knowledgeable and generous enough to share all of that info … I seriously loved every minute … you guys are a $100

[@Yaboishwa]

Focusing on experience during each visit rather than consistency and branding is so key considering the kinds of people that often seek out local/non corporate places

[@csyoder04]

Love the videos. Please provide more rural or lower population opportunities or examples. Also, is there a tool you could provide to guide researching the demand for a business idea in a location??

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching and engaging Chad. 😀We're always happy to feature new businesses on the channel. Are there any type of businesses you'd like to see in particular? Also, we love the guide idea. Stay tuned.

[@csyoder04]

@@UpFlip I have thrown around ideas with woodworking with a major part of the process involving the use of a CNC. Otherwise my wife has thrown around starting a business selling fermented / cultured foods and drinks. True Sour dough pasta, bread, yogurt, kifers, kombucha, etc… However i feel like we always question if can work in a smaller town.

[@Sabit-pro]

Always fascinating to watch Upflip videos because they are educational, entertaining, friendly and well organized.🥰🥰🥰 And I request Upflip's to make a video in a recycling buisness, in any kind of recycling buisness. But for myself I would prefer food recycling as a buisness. I coudnt't find any videos anywhere which are small buisnsses and are in the recycling sector.

[@UpFlip]

Just added to the list!

[@pragyanbezbo]

This is a dope interview that you took, wow! I got so many pointers for my own food stall that I am planning to open in the next 2-3 months. Thanks for sharing!

[@alesantiago]

Amazing episode. I'm not currently working on my coffee path, studying, working and getting better on this subject. That episode was awesome to understanding how it works dealing with a coffee shop. Thanks!

[@UpFlip]

We really appreciate that Alexandre. This is a fun an interesting industry to be in ans we wish you the best.😀😀What type of work do you do currently?

[@kalimistakidou9103]

Ironically, Maxwell is a coffee brand; almost as if it’s meant to be 😂😂

[@chronicmango]

You can’t make it up haha

[@robelb42]

You may improve this channel if you slowly start presenting business outside of PNW, and It would be great if you build a tool that allows viewers participate live during your interviews

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for the feedback Roby's. 😀What other types of businesses would you like to see? We also love the idea about our viewers participating. Should we start scheduling features and going live when they premier?

[@ShaunGud]

Your video content is great don’t change a thing and introduce more business software that helps start ups. Keep up the great work upFlip.

[@erikbarrett85]

6:18 he's putting his words in the action by turning towards the camera and using that as a marketing opportunity because he knows that there's likely a lot of people that will see this yield some new meeting or opportunity. That was smart, going from talking to the interviewer with body language to talking directly to the viewer

[@JackSparrow-gg4vl]

It would be best, and most genuine, to present these businesses on your channel with a major focus on their net profits, not their gross revenues. Gross revenues are extremely misleading. It's not what you make...it's what you get to keep....

[@chronicmango]

Hi friends! Just a quick heads up to everyone who’s emailed me for the spreadsheet. I’ve sent out over 1200 copies of it so far, but I’ve been consolidating the work to one or two days per week. Rest assured I’ll get your email back to you, but it may take up to a week / week and a half! If I’d have known I was going to do that going into it, I may have set up an automated system haha. Also, if you’re a programmer asking to have it so you can make it a paid web app, please don’t bother. My goal in offering it was so that folks in a very tight margin business don’t have to pay for yet another service, when they have a readily accessible program to do it with. Thanks fam! So glad this video has helped y’all!

[@mariovasquezsr7773]

Thank you for so much great information! We are a family run coffee roasters and new to the coffee game we love coffee and want to share our passion with everyone. Thanks for the spreadsheet :) those small expenses do add up.

[@idocastle7122]

i love this channel...keep up the good work!

[@khadijaaliyu6560]

$32,000 returns in just 16days, my financial life is totally changed

[@elizabethnoah8878]

@@kimaya4076 When I saw testimonies all over the place I thought it was all made up stories till I was convinced and gave it a try and honestly I don't regret the move I made because I invested in a big wav

[@baminsnacks1512]

Please is her service also available in Spain 🇪🇸 🥰

[@jackkrose1840]

@Joe Urratia I appreciate the video. This exactly what I need to motivate my trade spirit.

[@jackkrose1840]

@Joe Urratia What do you suggest I should do regarding to this investment plan? 🙏 🙏

[@jackkrose1840]

@Joe Urratia Thanks so much buddy for her info. I will hit her up right away😊, hope she replies soon.

[@missmasao]

Max knows the in’s and out’s of he’s business to the tea. Definitely learnt alot

[@alexandervanlohen4229]

Thanks for this amazing interview with a lot of positivy and so many insights. Respect to Max everything is so perfect thought out, I learned so much about starting a business in the right way! Greetings from Germany

[@weiliang7157]

Well written, the video really gives motivation to work and develop

[@prepareyourpan3299]

literally this Video is pure gold :) thanks for sharing with us

[@georgehunt6201]

Best video I’ve watched on the Tube in months, thank you

[@tymirejenkins7316]

thank you for the transparency, this was great!!!

[@MrPinyworld]

Max is fantastic, he and Narrative Coffee will continue to do well!

[@nahidoubtit]

top tier video front-to-back. incredible questions, insightful, and maxwell is just such a real bloke. this was such boost. thank you so much.

[@UpFlip]

Glad it was helpful, John! Are you in the coffee industry?

[@nahidoubtit]

@@UpFlip i am not, but have been considering starting my own. it's the only venture i don't fear failure in and have had it envisioned for some time.

[@steephansteephan1360]

Really helpful and motivating, lot of useful stuff, Thank you.

[@emilmierza741]

this video is so good it answers most questions i would have if i were to go and ask the owner myself! such good knowledge thank you!