On this week’s episode of the Atlanta Small Business Profile, host Ted Jenkin catches up with Harry Hutchins, Co-Owner of Alma Coffee. From the farm to your cup, Alma Coffee is a direct trade coffee company nestled in the woods of Holly Springs, GA just north of Atlanta.
Hutchins begins the conversation by talking about his and his wife, Leticia’s journey to becoming coffee roasters after both working in large consultancy firms. The couple decided to leave their corporate jobs to find a way to make the world a better place. Coming from a family that had farmed coffee beans in Central America for five generations, the Hutchins family saw an immediate opportunity to lend a hand to hard-working coffee farmers.
Starting a new business can be a challenging task especially in regards to raising the capital needed to begin operations. Hutchins credited the execution of beginning Alma Coffee to personal funding, the generosity of family members, and having a great relationship with the local United Community Bank.
“Having that relationship with the bank is key,” said Hutchins. “We have a great relationship with a small bank here (United Community Bank) who has really helped us a ton with everything from PPP loans or any other mortgage.”
Hutchins then explains how Alma Coffee is available both locally and across the country. In the Atlanta area, Alma Coffee has partnered with many cafes, restaurants, breweries, and offices to deliver quality coffee to Georgia residents.
When looking at the coffee industry, The Hutchins family saw an opportunity to make coffee farming and selling more efficiently. The company owns and operates its own farms in Central America. From there, the coffee is delivered directly to the roastery in north Georgia.
When asked what advice he had for millennials or anyone else looking to start their own business, Hutchins replied, “Really take the time and really dive into the data, and that’s the CPA (in me) talking so I’m a little biased. Study your numbers and don’t forget this is going to be a ton of work.”
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