Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott McMahon
Hi Scott, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After spending half a decade in the corporate world of New York City, I realized that type career environment was not what I was seeking. So, I decided to set out on my own and create my own opportunities. The first stop was Las Vegas and an ill fated and certainly naive attempt to enter the boxing community with my best friend from college…he was the boxer!
Having always enjoyed my time during childhood, I decided to return to the Upstate of SC and almost by chance and very quickly fell into the coffee industry. Somehow and without thinking I knew this was what I wanted to do. From learning roasting techniques from a long time craftsman to getting to know the customers and all the aspects of becoming an entrepreneur, I was lit up from within.
My experience in several public building cafes lead me to create the first stand alone location near the heart of my city, Greenville, SC. As we have grown and evolved over the last two years, an opportunity to having a meaningful impact in my community has allowed myself and two other service minded friends to create Coffee for Change this spring. If I thought I was enjoying the challenges of running a business was exciting, there is nothing like waking up each morning learning and working to become part of the betterment of my community and beyond.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As most first time entrepreneurs starting out, all problems look like unscalable mountains. However, somewhere along the way as experience was gained the hard way, obstacles became things I just hadn’t encountered yet. And as I researched and found solutions, I began to view difficulties as challenges to learn and grow from. From the global supply chain chaos of 2021 to losing my original business partner one month after opening, to the revolving door of graphic designers reminiscent of Spinal Tap drummers, to now creating a fundraiser campaign to impact my community, I am eager to see what each day brings. I look forward to solving the next issue and continuing to move forward.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is a hard question to answer as all business owners wear so many hats. At Cafe West, myself and my business partners handle everything from making coffee to chatting with guests to planning next steps. At Coffee for Change, I spearhead a campaign team that partners with non profits in order to promote and help them raise necessary funds for the good works they perform. And of course I always look forward to roasting and packaging coffee, interviewing local artists, and testing out new music for the cafe playlist!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am grateful for the opportunity to work with and create a positive impact in my community alongside not just two business partners, but true friends who are equally committed to serving others and fostering a responsible and uplifting business culture. Having lived in various parts of the country, I find it truly gratifying that local support here holds a deeper meaning beyond just monetary value. It is wonderful to be of service and exciting to collaborate with such talented individuals from diverse fields—social media, computer engineering, local art, and many more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cafewestgvl.com
- Instagram: cafewestgvl
- Facebook: cafewestgvl
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/caf%C3%A9-west-greenville
