The Young and Successful

February 01, 2006

The Young and Successful

As The Coffee Club continues its assault into New Zealand’s café market, leading the charge is the company’s youngest Master Franchisee, Brad Jacobs.

First starting with the company at the tender age of 17 years old, Brad Jacobs had worked his way up from kitchen dish hand to duty manager, to store manager to franchise consultant within five years.

Now 27, Jacobs who will soon celebrate 10 years of service with the company sat down to share some of the secrets behind his success and the tips behind starting young in the competitive business world.

Q: How did you to first become involved with The Coffee Club?
I first started with The Coffee Club as a part-timer while studying my bachelor of education at university. I worked for a franchisee in North Queensland who owned several stores and after four years relocated to Brisbane, where I joined The Coffee Club Corporate Office as a Franchise Consultant.

Q: What attracted you to continuing a career within The Coffee Club?
The opportunity was there from the beginning for me to work my way up, starting in the kitchen, to training as a barista, then as duty manger and store manager of several stores. I loved what I was doing and decided that was that, this industry is for me, but without the mentoring and support of some of the directors and the CEO of The Coffee Club, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.

Q: What does it take to excel in the hospitality industry?
Hospitality is often perceived as a part-time industry, but for those who have the passion for it; it can become a lifelong career. For those people who absolutely love it like I do,and are keen to learn more, The Coffee Club provides the opportunities for career advancement.and long term development.

Q: What tips do you have for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
First and foremost, you need to be prepared to work hard and keep at it. You need to have an undying thirst for learning and be prepared to learn about business operations. At the end of the day you need to have a good knowledge of the company you are working for, their expectations and the opportunities that exist for those committed to hard work. Be determined and never give up, that’s what I did and look where it got me.

Q: Has your age ever been an advantage or disadvantage in your career progress?
I was lucky because the company supported my direction 100 per cent the whole way. I have never been judged for my age, although it has been daunting at times dealing with franchisees who are double or three times my age. Being young definitely has its advantages and once I completed my education degree I realised that The Coffee Club was where I wanted to be working and I have not looked back since.

Q: What has been a particular highlight in your career to date?
I was lucky because when I first started with the company it only had 29 stores, so I was able to be involved in a lot of firsts and significant growth. I opened stores throughout Australia and travelled a lot which was fantastic, but probably the biggest highlight so far has been becoming the youngest Franchise Consultant for The Coffee Club and the youngest Master Franchisee. Becoming the Master Franchisee of the New Zealand expansion has been a great honour and achievement in my career so far.

Q: How does the NZ café culture/hospitality industry compare to Australia?
There is definitely some subtle cultural differences and multiculturalism is a key part of New Zealand culture, but up until now the café offerings in the market have been lacking and The Coffee Club’s new stores have been extremely well received. The general population is relatively well travelled so most recognise the brand. Our quality offering and level of service is proving popular and we are looking forward to further branching into the New Zealand market and establishing The Coffee Club as a national brand within the country.

Q: What is coming up next for you?
Our medium to long term plan includes growing the business to 50 stores within the next five years and once we’ve achieved that we will consider our next steps for the future of The Coffee Club in New Zealand.

Q: What philosophy do you abide by?
You need to have passion for your work and if you love what you do that’s half the battle. I push myself to the limit because I believe in the brand, its business model and the superior offering it provides to its customers. Know your direction and keep at it til you get to the destination.

ENDS

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