The Coffee Experts Club Podcast

SUMMARY:  In this episode of Coffee Experts Club, Aaron Hovivian and Ben Clatterbuck break down how coffee shop owners should think about drink pricing and profitability beyond simply covering costs. Drawing from Ben's experience scaling a multi-location coffee brand, they explain why knowing your numbers, setting a clear profit benchmark, and pricing with intention are critical to running a susta...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Coffee Experts Club, Aaron Hovivian, Ben Clatterbuck, and Drew Moody break down one of the toughest realities coffee shop owners face: rising costs and the need to raise prices without losing customers. They discuss how minimum wage increases, higher labor costs, and rising commodities impact margins—and why avoiding price adjustments only leads to bigger, more painful...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Coffee Experts Club , the team breaks down how coffee shops can protect market share in increasingly competitive markets by leaning into one powerful differentiator: generosity. Using real-world examples, they discuss holiday "deal days," food drives, gift card promotions, exclusive merch, and community-focused giveaways as proven ways to drive traffic, deepen loyalty,...

SUMMARY: Aaron Hovivian and Drew Moody reflect on the emotional and operational reality of relocating their original coffee shop in San Ignacio, Belize. They share the nostalgia tied to a first location, the nerves that come with change, and the reminder that pregame jitters never disappear—no matter how experienced you are. Moving the business, even just across the street, brings both excitement...

SUMMARY: This episode centers on how independent coffee shop owners can stay agile, challenge old habits, and make strategic decisions that drive long-term growth. Aaron, Ben, and Drew open with real stories from operating in Belize—power outages, broken AC, and the realities of running shops in a tropical environment. Those challenges set the stage for a deeper discussion on why small coffee comp...

SUMMARY: This episode digs into the reality of running coffee shops remotely, using the team's experience managing two locations in Belize while based in the U.S. as the backdrop. The conversation highlights the friction points that surface when staffing drops unexpectedly, systems break down, or partners can't travel due to things like passport delays. Instead of slipping into crisis mode or jump...

SUMMARY: This episode explains how to use the holiday season to strengthen culture and support your team. Let staff choose holiday shifts so the people who want extra hours get them. Create simple community-driven traditions like customer ornaments, notes for baristas, or a "Tip Your Barista Day." Take care of employees who may struggle during the holidays and keep shifts light, fun, and appreciat...

SUMMARY:  This conversation breaks down what operators should expect as temperatures drop and holiday traffic ramps up. It covers seasonal shifts in drink trends, rising milk costs, and why teams need refreshers on steaming technique after months of iced-drink dominance. The discussion highlights practical ways to elevate drink quality, from latte art competitions to intentional training that shar...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron Hovivian, Ben Clatterbuck, and Drew M engage in a conversation with Travis Woodrum, the owner of Oregon Mountain Coffee. They discuss Travis's journey into the coffee industry, his vision for the business, the challenges he faces, and his plans for expansion. The conversation highlights the importance of quality ingredients, customer experience, and the unique chall...

SUMMARY: In this episode of the Coffee Experts Club, the team reflects on the power of annual planning—looking back at goals, lessons, and key decisions from their Belize operations. They discuss how stepping away from daily noise creates space for honest evaluation, strategic clarity, and stronger collaboration. From challenging expansion plans to rethinking logistics and training incentives, the...

SUMMARY: Welcome to the very first episode of Ground Level , a new series from The Coffee Experts Club Podcast that digs deep into the real, practical side of running a drive-through coffee business. In this kickoff episode, Ben and Drew take you behind the bar to talk about one of the most common struggles for new shop owners — training new employees. From onboarding and flow tests to memorizing...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron and Ben dive into the art and strategy of  annual planning for coffee entrepreneurs . As Q4 begins, they reveal why waiting until January to plan is a costly mistake—and how top-performing coffee businesses get ahead by setting their goals now. From simple two-hour planning sessions to full team retreats, the duo breaks down exactly how to design your annual plannin...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron, Ben, and Drew dive into one of the biggest challenges in coffee business growth—how to find your next great manager. Should you promote from within or look outside your company? The hosts unpack the pros and cons of both paths, from cultivating leadership internally to recruiting skilled candidates externally. Learn how delegation, company culture, and your own lea...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron, Drew, and Ben dive deep into the role of communication in building and sustaining a successful coffee business. From managing vendors in Belize through WhatsApp to setting clear standards, payment cadences, and accountability practices, the team shares real-world lessons on creating systems that scale. They discuss vendor relationships, the power of storytelling wh...

SUMMARY: In this episode of the Coffee Experts Club , hosts Aaron, Ben, and Drew dive into the critical topic of accountability in coffee shop management. They discuss practical systems to ensure your team stays on track, from simple checklists to tech-driven solutions. Learn how to avoid the vicious cycle of frustration, empower your staff, and create a culture of responsibility that benefits bot...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron, Ben, and Drew dive into one of the hottest topics in the coffee industry— expansion . From the challenges of opening multiple locations to the pros and cons of acquiring existing shops, the team unpacks what it really takes to grow smart without overextending. Drawing from their experiences in Belize, the Tri-Cities, and beyond, they share insights on market satura...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron, Ben, and Drew tackle a question that often gets overlooked: what happens when your coffee shop is actually successful? While most conversations focus on cutting costs and surviving the grind, this one explores the challenges—and opportunities—that come with growth and profitability. The team unpacks how to reinvest wisely, avoid complacency, strengthen culture, and...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron, Ben, and Drew dive into the realities of navigating change in business. From unexpected lawsuits, contractor failures, and regulatory hurdles to brand identity challenges and cultural crises, they share hard-earned lessons on handling pivots without losing momentum. The hosts discuss the importance of emotional resilience, documenting solutions, aligning with your...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron, Drew, and Ben tackle one of the hardest but most crucial aspects of leadership—demotion. While elevating and empowering team members is exciting, what happens when someone isn't a fit for their role? The hosts discuss how to approach tough conversations with clarity and empathy, the importance of setting clear expectations, documenting performance, and knowing when...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron and Ben dive into the often-overlooked world of coffee shop finances. From the stress of payroll weeks to the dangers of "checkbook accounting," they explore why many café owners struggle with numbers—and why that's perfectly normal. They share practical ways to either take control of your own financial tracking or find the right professional help, emphasizing the i...

SUMMARY: In this episode, the Coffee Experts crew dives deep into what it really takes for a coffee shop to become a "hometown hero." Drawing on their own journey building Roasters Coffee from a small local shop to a multi-location chain acquired by Black Rock, Aaron, Ben, and Drew share powerful insights on standing out in a saturated market. They unpack the importance of micro-niching, community...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron, Ben, and Drew dive into the crucial question of how to elevate a coffee shop owner out of day-to-day operations. Building on last week's conversation, they explore how to establish clear roles, build a practical management hierarchy, and develop perks that go beyond money to inspire leadership. From understanding what tasks should be delegated, to designing creativ...

SUMMARY: In this episode of the Coffee Experts Club Podcast , the team dives into the chaos many coffee shop owners experience and how to escape it. If you're constantly putting out fires, drowning in to-dos, and losing weekends to burnout, this episode is for you. Aaron, Ben, and Drew talk about how to step out of the weeds, empower your team, and use systems like weekly Level 10 meetings to rega...

SUMMARY: In this candid and practical episode, Aaron and Ben tackle one of the most underestimated profit drains in the coffee business: shrink. Whether it's untracked employee perks, casual waste, or outright theft, many operators are unknowingly letting thousands of dollars slip through the cracks. The duo discusses how even small, rationalized actions—like grabbing a Red Bull or giving away a d...

SUMMARY: Join the whole crew as Aaron, Drew, and Ben dive into the challenges and triumphs of coffee shop grand openings, with a focus on navigating technology and equipment hurdles. Recorded on the 4th of July, the team discusses the importance of staying open on holidays, the realities of managing espresso machines, and the lessons learned from opening their third drive-thru coffee shop in Beliz...