La Colombe Coffee Roasters: Todd Carmichael and J.P. Iberti. A Brotherhood Built on Coffee (2020)

Key takeaways

La Colombe was founded on a shared passion for high-quality coffee and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of coffee culture in the U.S.
Building direct relationships with coffee farmers was pivotal in differentiating La Colombe's products from competitors.
Navigating investments and partnerships carefully is crucial; aligning visions with partners can determine the future success of a business.
Personal challenges, including mental health struggles, can impact entrepreneurs significantly, but taking time to address these issues is essential for long-term success.
The blend of luck and hard work plays a significant role in entrepreneurial success, reinforcing the idea that timing and connections matter.

Summary

The Origins of La Colombe

Todd Carmichael and J.P. Iberti met in the late 1980s in Seattle, bonding over their shared love for coffee and a mutual desire to start a coffee business. They eventually founded La Colombe Coffee in Philadelphia, positioning themselves in the middle of the Third Wave Coffee Movement, which focused on high-quality bean sourcing, roasting techniques, and premium coffee experiences.

A Unique Business Journey

The podcast dives into the challenges Todd and J.P. encountered while launching La Colombe, including an ill-fated first investment deal that sought to push them into opening multiple cafes too quickly. Their approach was more nuanced, emphasizing quality over quantity and establishing connections directly with coffee farmers.

The Acquired Evolution

As La Colombe grew and thrived, they signed a notable agreement with investor Hamdi Ulekaya, founder of Chobani, who recognized the potential in their coffee innovations like the Draft Latte. This investment helped them pivot from struggling in relationship with previous investors to thriving, showcasing the significance of adaptive business strategies.

Personal Journeys and Mental Health

Todd reflected on his personal struggles with mental health, describing a sabbatical that allowed him to focus on self-care and recovery. This experience shaped not only his personal outlook but also reinforced the importance of a strong partnership with J.P., underscoring how personal challenges can intertwine with entrepreneurial journeys.

Philosophy of Success

In concluding remarks, Todd and J.P. discussed the blend of luck and hard work that contributed to their success. Their reflections highlight the serendipitous connections, timing, and proactive decision-making that can critically influence the outcomes of entrepreneurial ventures.

Show notes

When Todd Carmichael and J.P. Iberti met at a grunge concert in Seattle in the 1980s, they were an unlikely pair. But they shared a love for great coffee, and the two friends began to dream about opening a cafe and premium roastery that would produce coffee at a higher quality than anything in the U.S. at the time. A few years later, Todd and J.P. co-founded La Colombe in Philadelphia, and went on to play a leading role in the third wave of specialty coffee in the U.S. Today, their coffee drinks are sold in stores across the country, and in 2023, La Colombe was acquired by Chobani for $900M.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:08:57 - Learning barista basics: like being a DJ

0:23:00 - Todd squats at JP’s place, they set out to sell coffee

0:25:08 - How La Colombe gets its name

0:28:00 - Launching the business in a city they've never visited

0:31:09 - The first roastery: no ventilation, visits from the fire department

0:35:49 - Pitching the coffee–uninvited–at a top French restaurant

0:40:38 - The trick to making a perfect espresso

0:47:20 - Todd takes a sabbatical: “I was suffering from my brain.”

0:51:30 - Expanding to more cafes and a shift from roasting to hosting

0:55:07 - An impasse with investors, and a bailout from Chobani’s founder

1:03:28 - Small Business Spotlight

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This episode was produced by Casey Herman with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Sarah Sarasohn. Our audio engineer was Jimmy Keeley.
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