How I Built This with Guy Raz
Advice Line with Travis Boersma of Dutch Bros
Feb 13, 2025
Travis Boersma, co-founder of Dutch Bros Coffee, and Sean Chang, co-founder of Mukja Korean Fried Chicken, share invaluable entrepreneurial insights. They discuss the journey of transforming a simple espresso cart into a national coffee chain, tackling challenges like rising costs and competition. Sean highlights creative marketing strategies for his restaurant, while both guests emphasize the power of word-of-mouth in boosting customer growth. The conversation also touches on the importance of resilience and adaptability for new founders in today’s ever-changing market.
45:06
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Quick takeaways
- Travis Boersma emphasizes the significance of starting small and adapting business models to customer needs for successful scaling.
- The importance of fostering a strong company culture by promoting from within is crucial for maintaining brand values during expansion.
Deep dives
The Evolution from Cart to Coffee Chain
The journey of Dutch Bros Coffee began with a simple push cart selling espresso, which laid the foundation for a successful coffee chain. As the founders transitioned to a mobile unit and then to drive-thru locations, they prioritized adapting their business model to meet customer needs. This pivotal shift allowed them to carve out a niche in the drive-thru coffee market, ultimately leading to the establishment of their brick-and-mortar stores. This progression highlights the importance of starting small and gradually scaling operations to fit the evolving business landscape.
