Documenting the Journey Part 2: Have you ever been close to going out of business? - Interview with Velez

In this insightful interview, the founder of Coffee Junkiez and Pizza Junkiez shares his journey of entrepreneurship, the struggles of running a business, and the values that shape his leadership. From the challenges of hiring and firing to the unique story behind the famous Dorito Taco Pizza, this conversation highlights the importance of accountability, teamwork, and innovation in the food and beverage industry.

Discover what it takes to build a business that lasts, navigate the toughest moments, and create a company culture where employees feel valued beyond just being a number.

00:00:00 - 00:00:03 – Opening Question

• Have you ever been close to going out of business?

00:00:03 - 00:00:05 – Entrepreneurship Struggles

• "I don’t have enough fingers and toes."

00:00:06 - 00:00:11 – Challenges of Letting Go

• Insights on hiring and firing struggles.

• Learning from a business coach about outsourcing difficult decisions.

00:00:19 - 00:00:23 – Innovation in Business

• The origin story of the Dorito Taco Pizza and how personal experiences influence menu creativity.

00:00:45 - 00:01:11 – Company Culture & Leadership

• Getting employees to understand the bigger picture.

• Aligning personal interests with the company’s success.

00:01:11 - 00:01:30 – Documenting the Business Journey

• The importance of sharing business growth over time.

00:01:30 - 00:02:20 – Employee Recognition & Loyalty

• Appreciation for committed employees.

• The impact of work ethic and reliability on business success.

00:02:26 - 00:02:58 – The Challenges of the Food & Beverage Industry

• Managing stress and pressure in a high-paced environment.

• Finding and retaining reliable employees.

00:03:33 - 00:04:10 – Hiring Philosophy

• What traits are essential for a strong team?

• The importance of accountability, reliability, and teamwork.

00:05:12 - 00:06:06 – The Power of Passion & Practice

• How learning an instrument shaped problem-solving skills and perseverance.

00:07:30 - 00:08:11 – Keeping Passion as a Hobby vs. a Career

• The balance between passion and financial stability.

00:08:48 - 00:09:02 – Open Q&A: Business Insights

• Employee-led discussion with curiosity-driven questions.

00:09:06 - 00:11:12 – The Business of Dorito Taco Pizza

• How a childhood favorite evolved into a menu staple.