Reality is better than romantic visions
By Kevin Steen
These days, the media is obsessed with the fate of monolithic companies like Chrysler and General Motors, and questions the stability of the world’s banks.
Little do the decision-makers know the best solutions for the world’s economic and political problems are being solved here at Damascus, over a cup of coffee and an oat cake.
March 31 marked our first birthday here at Damascus. Eight years ago, we had romantic visions of a Central Perk-like coffee house (from TV sitcom Friends) but this challenging year has surpassed that vision: instead, we’ve built real, solid relationships.
Together we’ve chatted about our spouses, our kids, our pets and the weather. We’ve learned your name, your favourite drink and all the sleepless nights you’ve spent with your sick child. (We know you’re stopping by in the morning for that aromatic boost of java because the kids have kept you up most of the night!)
Some of you are residents commuting to work, but some of you are out-of-towners, kicking-off your regular Saturday shopping trips at 7:30 am.
My vision has also been replaced by the harsh realities of entrepreneurship and the uncertainties of an economic downturn. “How do I draw more customers in this week, so revenue can go up and debt can go down?” I ask myself. “Will my patrons like the new products I’ve added to the menu? How do I find time to promote my business while I’m running my business? When will I have time to spend with my family? When can I stop thinking about Damascus...it seems to need me 24-7?”
The fact is, running a coffee house has been more like raising an infant than owning a cultural icon. Parents are always worried about the babysitter when they’re away, wondering whether their child is being cared for properly. My background is in marketing but there was very little time to use my skill set until I learned to delegate the inventory management of toilet paper, cups and baklava.
Recession or no recession, the concerns of small business people like me are pretty much the same: How do I make it work?
Well, the answer is you. You make it work, the customers, vendors and neighbours with whom we’ve formed valuable friendships. We wouldn’t trade you for all the money in the world. To be a continuing part of your lives is a tremendous blessing. Thank you.
By Kevin Steen
These days, the media is obsessed with the fate of monolithic companies like Chrysler and General Motors, and questions the stability of the world’s banks.
Little do the decision-makers know the best solutions for the world’s economic and political problems are being solved here at Damascus, over a cup of coffee and an oat cake.
March 31 marked our first birthday here at Damascus. Eight years ago, we had romantic visions of a Central Perk-like coffee house (from TV sitcom Friends) but this challenging year has surpassed that vision: instead, we’ve built real, solid relationships.
Together we’ve chatted about our spouses, our kids, our pets and the weather. We’ve learned your name, your favourite drink and all the sleepless nights you’ve spent with your sick child. (We know you’re stopping by in the morning for that aromatic boost of java because the kids have kept you up most of the night!)
Some of you are residents commuting to work, but some of you are out-of-towners, kicking-off your regular Saturday shopping trips at 7:30 am.
My vision has also been replaced by the harsh realities of entrepreneurship and the uncertainties of an economic downturn. “How do I draw more customers in this week, so revenue can go up and debt can go down?” I ask myself. “Will my patrons like the new products I’ve added to the menu? How do I find time to promote my business while I’m running my business? When will I have time to spend with my family? When can I stop thinking about Damascus...it seems to need me 24-7?”
The fact is, running a coffee house has been more like raising an infant than owning a cultural icon. Parents are always worried about the babysitter when they’re away, wondering whether their child is being cared for properly. My background is in marketing but there was very little time to use my skill set until I learned to delegate the inventory management of toilet paper, cups and baklava.
Recession or no recession, the concerns of small business people like me are pretty much the same: How do I make it work?
Well, the answer is you. You make it work, the customers, vendors and neighbours with whom we’ve formed valuable friendships. We wouldn’t trade you for all the money in the world. To be a continuing part of your lives is a tremendous blessing. Thank you.
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