February 2009 Mini-Case Study -
La Crema Coffee Company
La Cream Coffee Company defines success “as being able to follow your dream and being passionate about everything you do.” The company offers a full line of roasted coffees, teas, chocolates and gift presentations. They also offer an amazing assortment of flavored coffees geared to the changing seasons.
Melissa Flohn began her company in 2008 and came to it in a rather roundabout way.
History – In 2002, Melissa purchased a coffee bar inside a major hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. The coffee “buzz” was building and over the next 5 years she acquired two other coffee bars and she was buying her coffee from a local roaster. She decided to sell her three stores and became a sales rep for this coffee roaster. In June 2008, Melissa bought the coffee roasting plant, renamed it, totally redesigned the look and launched La Crema Coffee Company.
Success –How does she measure success? “Success arrived when my competitors began trying to duplicate my look.”
Initial Roll-Out – Melissa states that her roll-out took a short time because she purchased the assets of an existing business.
Investment – Under $500,000.
Advice to new to industry companies – “Find your niche and BELIEVE in it. Your passion shows when you speak of your business, which makes your customers believe in you. You have to have your customer’s best interests in mind and if they are successful, you will be successful.”
Contact Information:
Melissa Flohn
9852 Crescent Park Drive
West Chester, Ohio 45069
Phone: 513-779-6278; Fax: 513-779-1908
email:Melissa@lacremacoffeecompany.com Website: lacremacoffeecompany.
