Hi all, just an update.-
When we launched Jack’s Neurobrew Coffee a few weeks ago, we thought it would be simple: set up the site, offer fresh coffee, and people would buy. What we’ve discovered is that building a business — even a small, family-run one — comes with lots of lessons. Some have been humbling, others exciting, but all of them are helping Jack learn what it really takes to run something of his own.
Here are five things we’ve learned so far:
- Sales vs. Revenue Isn’t Profit
Jack has already learned one of the hardest lessons for any entrepreneur: just because money comes in doesn’t mean it’s “profit.” Each bag of coffee has costs behind it — roasting, shipping, packaging, and fees. Understanding marginal cost versus total revenue has been eye-opening. - Building an Audience Takes Work
We thought telling our story would be enough to spark repeat sales. But the truth is, building a loyal audience takes time, patience, and more than just a good product. Local business associations and word-of-mouth have been more powerful than any paid ads. - The Personal Touch Matters
Some of Jack’s favorite moments have been calling customers directly. It turns out, this small personal touch means a lot — and they make people want to come back. - Support from Community Is Everything
From neighbors in Western Springs and La Grange to friends sharing our posts online, community support has been the backbone of this project. Each order isn’t just a transaction — it’s a reminder that people believe in Jack and in what we’re building together. - Success Doesn’t Have to Be Huge
We don’t need thousands of customers to call this a success. For us, it’s about Jack learning, building something together as a family, and spreading autism awareness in our community. Every repeat order, every kind message, every smile from Jack when he sees a new sale — that’s the kind of success we’re aiming for.
Thanks to everyone who’s supported Jack’s Neurobrew so far. Whether you’ve ordered a bag, shared our story, or just cheered us on, you’re part of this journey. And if you’d like to try Jack’s coffee (or become one of our first subscribers), you can check it out here: jacksneurobrew.com.