AIESEC Life Business Community: Feature of the Month
The AIESEC Life Business Community (ABC) is a new community supporting AIESEC alums and their businesses. This initiative is all about fostering connections among our alumni and providing valuable resources and networking opportunities.
This month we spoke with Mark Stell, AIESEC Oregon, about his business journey and his two award-winning businesses, Portland Coffee Roasters and Bird Creek Whiskey.
(AIESEC Life) How did you get started with your own businesses, not one but two?
(Mark Stell) During AIESEC I was lucky enough to go to the earth summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 where I was a delegate as part of the first earth summit. I discovered the coffee business and it was a perfect industry to try to make a difference.
(AL) What were the biggest challenges you faced along the way?
(MS) Sales and growth is always the biggest challenge. It will always be for a product like coffee that is such a large household product.
(AL) What are some of the most important lessons you've learned?
(MS) Over the past 27 years there are so many challenges but one lesson comes to mind that has really helped me along the way. Always remember employees make the company. An owner needs to always come in second to your employees needs. Never put yourself first and your people will take care of you.
(AL) What is it like to run two businesses at the same time?
(MS) To be honest it is difficult. I have been running one business for 27 years and the other is a passion project that is new and exciting. But at the end of the day, I start with amazing coffee and finish the day with great single malt whiskey.
(AL) What advice would you give to others who might be interested in getting into retail businesses?
(MS) Before you get into a lease make sure your rent or space can do the volume you need to do in order to make a solid profit.
Thank you to Mark for sharing a few words with us! Please visit Portland Coffee Roasters and Birdcreek Whiskey and support a fellow AIESECer.
Mark is offering an exclusive discount for AIESECers at Portland Coffee Roasters with code AIESEC10 at checkout!
We're constantly expanding our ABC program, and you can look forward to alumni profiles on our website, newsletter features, and virtual talks and discussions. Keep an eye out for updates, and get ready to engage with a vibrant community of AIESEC alumni in the business world!