Enjoy the Journey, Embrace Your Tribe, and Make Each Day Count!
September was a month of remarkable progress!
Our renovation progressed, and the vision remains to drive toward a soft opening in Fall/Winter 2023 and a grand opening in Summer 2024. It’s been inspiring to see how far this project has come since September 2022 – check out the side-by-side comparison in Figure 1; the pictures were taken a year apart!
Figure 1 – What a difference a year of work makes! September 2022 vs. September 2023
Our Dream Team search continues!
Our search for a Store Manager and a Head Roaster continued in September. If you know someone with entrepreneurial spirit, unwavering determination, a profound passion for coffee and people, and a willingness to make a lasting impression, we'd love to hear from them! Please reach out to us at careers@bearlakecoffee.com. These are full-time positions built upon a successful 4-day, 32-hour workweek model, which was proven during the pandemic.
A whiskey-in-a-column to be enjoyed in 30 years
In the center of our building, built around 1902, four original columns are being enclosed by the DP Juza team. The lead master carpenter, John, put a treasure inside one of these columns – check out the “whiskey-in-a-column” story on Instagram or Facebook. On a beautiful sunny afternoon on September 21st, 2023, I took this picture (see Figure 2) as John put the final panel over a bottle of whiskey. This moment stirred a whirlwind of emotions, including hope, gratitude, contemplation of mortality, a profound sense of connection, and a touch of nostalgia. I hope to be here in 2053 to witness John's ceremonial uncasing of that whiskey!
Figure 2– To be opened in the year 2053! See the story on Instagram or Facebook
A thoughtful gift – a treasure from the past and a good omen for the future
Brent Gramberg, owner and master electrician of Design Electric, gave me a thoughtful gift this past month, too! As he was trenching for the electric lines, he found an 1887 Morgan silver dollar buried in the ground next to the building (see Figure 3). I’ll never forget him approaching me with a big grin and saying, “I have a gift for you, the first dollar made here.”
Figure 3 – 1887 Morgan silver dollar found September 2023 @ Bear Lake Coffee Co. HQ.
The original Morgan silver dollars were minted during a time of great economic growth and prosperity in the United States, from 1878 to 1904. What a neat connection to the past and a good omen for the future! The coin may be worth $100 today, but it is invaluable given its origin! I am excited to showcase it in the building for all to admire during our grand opening next year!
As summer draws to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude for the incredible people who have joined me so far on this journey. I am thankful for my wife, Amy, and the many skilled craftsmen like John and Brent who have invested passion and dedication into this building. The journey has been full of authentic and genuine vibes this summer.
"Your vibe attracts your tribe."
~Unknown
This quote reminds me that living purposefully starts with embracing our true selves, radiating courage, integrity, optimism, creativity, teamwork, and kindness. The more you express your genuine self and values, the more your like-minded community or “tribe” takes shape around you. Thanks for taking the time to read our story this month! This summer reminded me that life is about enjoying the journey, embracing your tribe, and making each day count.
Stay tuned for more updates in October!
Happy Fall, y’all!
Best regards,
Sources:
Careers – Bear Lake Coffee Co.
New study shows 4-day week to be a success | World Economic Forum
Custom Woodworking and Fixtures - DP Juza Woods + Fixtures
Design Electric - Contact Us - Rice Lake, WI (designelectricbrent.com)
