Today we’d like to introduce you to Efren Esqueda and Ricardo Renteria.
It all started with a passion in Coffee with Efren. Efren began his college career in 2015 and had no clue about coffee. Coffee was introduced to Efren, and he became curious about the ins and outs of the craft of coffee. Efren began working in the coffee industry during his college career and developed a deep interest in crafting his own coffee and one day having his own shop. After developing his coffee connoisseur, Efren envisioned a business with an authentic coffee culture of community and appreciation of craft coffee. Efren serves as the Worship/Young Adult Pastor at a small church in Chula Vista, where he works alongside with Pastor Ricky. Ricky is known for his enthusiasm and “go-getter” attitude. Ricky shared a coffee interest with Efren and always dreamt of having a business. Sharing the same values and passion, both business partners, Efren and Ricky, created chemistry and initiated the business development of Shepherds Coffee Co.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been multiple challenges along the way of developing this business. Challenges included zero business experience, but with the advice and guidance of mentors, we overcame the obstacles hindering us from starting up. We wanted to open up as a shop very soon, but we lacked many resources, so we took a catering route where our business is mobile and available to be hired upon request at different events. Our catering business was becoming a success until the COVID-19 pandemic slowed us down with the gatherings and events. Although our catering business has slowed, we are using this time to continue planning and innovating our business ideas with Shepherds Coffee Co.
We began our services late February, so the time we started until the pandemic, it has been successful. We are looking forward to continuing our services for everyone. And with our continued success, we are expecting many challenges and obstacles to come our way, but as always, we will prevail with our positive and energetic attitudes.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Shepherds Coffee – what should we know?
We are a Specialty Coffee mobile cart. We cater to events, weddings, parties, etc. We are known for our incredible servant leadership in the church community while involving our coffee passion. We like to think about our emphasis on bringing the authentic coffee culture everywhere we go. To us, authentic coffee culture is where the community and the appreciation of specialty craft coffee is essential when enjoying a cup of joe! We are set apart by our values and mission to bring joy and purpose to every sip you take from your cup of coffee from the pastors who own Shepherds Coffee Co. And we are proud of that.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Sammy Ramirez Founder of Saints Creative clothing brand was a help to our company by bringing our logo to life and creating graphics and helping us get our name out there.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6197924989
- Email: shepherdscoffeeco@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherdscoffeeco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shepherds-Coffee-Co-101167788140202/?view_public_for=101167788140202
Image Credit:
Denisse Hernandez
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