E2 - Robert and Kristin Purdy - Purdy's Coffee Co.

Humans Doing Business

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"It has had its challenges over the years. But, you know, we care about each other at the end of the day. And we all would bleed for this business and what it represents. So at the end of the day, we all, of course, share the same vision. And and we all have different strengths that we bring to the table."
- Kristin Purdy on growing business with family
Sometimes a new business is dreamed about, without even knowing what type of business it is going to be.
Robert and Kristin Purdy acquired a historic building with their family in downtown Richmond, KY in 2012. They knew there was potential to grow the community with a new business in the location, but weren't quite sure what they wanted to do. After some consideration with friends and family, and a grueling nine month renovation, Purdy's Coffee Company was born.
The atmosphere in Purdy's is special. Special enough that when visiting Richmond, Food Network star Alton Brown made sure he visited their shop. Walking in the shop, customers are immediately met with familiar smiles, the aroma of fresh coffee, the sound of light conversation and fingers typing on keyboards and beautiful fixtures that you can tell are the product of a lot of thought. Think Cheers. Where everybody knows your name, but the barista is typically the most friendly college student you've ever met, or even one of the Purdy family members themselves. In the background, you see employees hustling in their Purdy's tee and might even spot "Nana" in the background with flour on her apron and hands, working a ball of dough while creating her famous cinnamon rolls.
The success of Purdy's didn't come without challenge, but here are some key points to listen for from Robert and Kristin Purdy in this episode that could grow your business to the next level.

• Use of Social Media Marketing - Purdy's doesn't just rely on their own skills with Facebook and Instagram, but have created a space for customers to do some of this work for them on their own platforms.
• Working with Family - Small businesses are often "family" businesses. Learn how this family works together while maintaining strong relationships and balances family and work life.
• Building Loyalty - Having loyal customers might be one of the biggest keys to success for any business. Robert and Kristin speak about relationships with customers who have been integral to their success, and ways those customers have given them new ideas for business development.
• Culture - A strong culture is something a business leader knows they need, but how can you grow it quickly?
• Design - Logos and color schemes make a difference and should be carefully considered.
• Growth - Adding a second location can be scary. When done poorly, it can sink a business. But if it is executed well, it could very possibly be the thing that saves a business when something major (like a pandemic) happens.

Links
Purdy's Website
Purdy's FB
Purdy's IG
Original Opening Article From The Richmond Register
HDB FB Group
HDB Twitter