On the Halloween morning of 1971, in Akron, Ohio, I was born to proud parents Richard & Brenda Hummel. I have 3 younger siblings. Growing up as a kid in Northeast Ohio, I had a love affair with collecting rocks and tennis, but part of me had a bit of entrepreneurial DNA – the dream of leading my own business someday. My father was a Salesman, while my mother stayed-at-home raising us. Both had side jobs to supplement their income, but they put our welfare first to ensure we had the basic necessities of life and were always supported in our activities and dreams. We were your average, hard-working family.
Because we had very little expendable income I explored ways to make my own money. During my preteen and early teenage years living in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio I would ride my bike around the area with a bag, collecting aluminum cans and glass bottles from trash dumpsters behind bars and restaurants to take to local recycling kiosks for money. Other times I’d pull my lawn mower behind me going door-to-door surveying yards that needed mowing – my very first customer was a neighbor a street over that paid $6/week… a lot of money for a kid back in the early 1980’s. I started working actual paying jobs at 14. My first was a late night gig at a bowling alley, followed by being a library page at our community library, many others followed. I wasn’t afraid to work, I enjoyed it. There were stages in my life during high school, college, and after where I worked multiple jobs at time. I graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1990. In 1996, I graduated from The University of Akron, Ohio with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology and a Certificate in Environmental Studies. I am proud to say that I’m the only one from my family to obtain a college education.
But there was something bigger than Geology. I had this innate curiosity of wanting to understand more about the world of business, success and leadership. My entrepreneurial path crystallized for me in February 2016 when I was laid off from a company headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan who I had been with for nearly 18 years, even relocated at their request from Ohio to Michigan in 2008. That day in February 2016 made me question what company loyalty really is and means. When organizations don’t need or want your services anymore, it’s unfortunately out of your control. I never wanted to experience that again – where my employment, livelihood and welfare was in the hands of someone else. We had a 1 year old daughter at the time, and another daughter on the way. In November 2017, always wanting to move south, we moved from Grass Lake, Michigan to Marietta, Georgia.
Since that “unfortunate blessing”, that “gift of doubt” in February 2016 I’ve reminded myself daily of my dream to start a business. Over the next 4 years I would study up on business and leadership, exploring franchising and independent ownership options, and ultimately decided upon the food industry – an independent and purpose driven coffee shop. I’d spend countless hours working from local coffee shops, paying attention to what I liked and didn’t like, from the location, seating, environment/atmosphere, coffee, food, even the customer service and experience, constantly asking myself “How can I do this better and provide a very unique, customer experience?”.
The week before Thanksgiving 2019 I experienced the weirdest feeling ever – I will never forget what that felt like. My mind and body were speaking to me that the time to act on this coffee shop dream was now, today, that I’m ready. My desire was now greater than any distractions. The fear of failure I thought about and the risks of starting a small business both faded away. I was no longer terrified of failing. I felt driven and determined more than ever. My soul felt like it was on fire with finally realizing this lifelong passion of mine can now become real. A wave of emotions cast over me – my eyes teary, hands over my face, I wept silently for a moment or so... I, 48 years after entering this world had finally discovered my “Why”, my “Purpose” in life, and joy in that. I was at peace, knew what I needed to do next, and became focused and resilient. The path and long road to get here wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. My parents, my childhood, my family and friends, and all those who touched my life along this journey influenced and shaped who I became and am, and I wouldn’t change any of it. On January 3, 2020, the dream and vision for the coffee shop that I’ve imagined years ago was officially Incorporated with the mission: To Inspire and Motivate.
Live Fearless,
Rich Hummel
Founder & President
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