Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gabe Ulibarri, Co-Founder of Real American Heroes Coffee Company, located in Phoenix, AZ, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Real American Heroes (RAH Coffee Company) is a veteran-owned company that was created in 2018 by three U.S. Air Force Veterans during a deployment overseas. RAH was created as a way to tell stories of real American Heroes we had met through our travels while serving in the military and working as a firefighter. We would always find time to meet for Coffee, which eventually became the basis for our idea of serving coffee to real heroes! We wanted to highlight the military, firefighters, police officers, nurses, doctors anyone who made a difference and share their amazing stories.

I’ve been serving in the U.S. Air Force as a reservist for the last 20 years, and I currently work as a firefighter paramedic for the city of Tempe in Arizona. I have not only seen real heroes at work but personally seen the amazing things these heroes have done to make our country and communities safer. When we came back from a deployment in 2018, we teamed up with a local roaster in Phoenix to create custom coffee bags for these heroes to tell their stories on our bags while creating a fresh coffee roast that is made per order. We have been successful in working side by side with non-profits to create these custom bags, and for every bag sold, a percentage goes back to their organizations. We have also donated hundreds of bags to police stations, fire stations, hospitals, and troops serving overseas. This has motivated us to continue our mission every day, knowing that with each bag sold and donated, we are making a difference.

Tell us about yourself

I’ve been serving in the U.S. Air Force as a reservist for the last 20 years, and I currently work as a firefighter paramedic for the city of Tempe in Arizona. I have not only seen real heroes at work but personally seen the amazing things these heroes have done to make our country and communities safer. When we came back from a deployment in 2018, we teamed up with a local roaster in Phoenix to create custom coffee bags for these heroes to tell their stories on our bags while creating a fresh coffee roast that is made per order. We have been successful in working side by side with non-profits to create these custom bags, and for every bag sold, a percentage goes back to their organizations. We have also donated hundreds of bags to police stations, fire stations, hospitals, and troops serving overseas. This has motivated us to continue our mission every day, knowing that with each bag sold and donated, we are making a difference.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The biggest accomplishment so far with the company is the relationships we have created with our customers and the heroes we highlight. The custom bags we create gives us an opportunity to learn what makes these heroes so unique and what makes them so passionate about their professions! The heroes really continue to drive our passion and mission we originally started.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The hardest thing about being a business owner is having a life-work balance. I still serve in the Air Force, work as a firefighter, have a family, and run the marketing for RAH. Even with having a busy schedule, we still find time to work hand in hand with the heroes we meet, tell their stories, and create personal and professional relationships.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Just start; there is never a good time to start a business, but putting steps in motion will start your passion in the right direction.
  2. Make lasting relationships. Business is all about how people can help each other be successful.
  3. Preparation is key. Creating a successful business is all about preparation, timing, and relationships.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://rahcoffeecompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rahcoffeeco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahcoffeeco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rahcoffeeco

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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