Founder Friday! w/ Amos Gillespie of Wheelhouse Coffee, Kentville, Nova Scotia, CA

Founder Friday! w/ Amos Gillespie of Wheelhouse Coffee, Kentville, Nova Scotia, CA

Author: Chris Deferio May 29, 2026 Duration: 47:42

The best coffee businesses are built on solid values, local community, and small consistent steps taken toward deeper connection through hospitality and excellence in the product. The story of Wheelhouse Coffee is one that demonstrates the power of intentional people-first work over time and what happens when you make growth a conversation with those your serve. 

I am thrilled to get to talk with the founder of Wheelhouse Coffee in Nova Scotia, CA, Amos Gillespie!

Wheelhouse Coffee began with an eight-year-old Amos sharing morning coffee with his dad. By 17, that simple joy had grown into a coffee dream. After an espresso machine, a barista job, and a life-changing Portland coffee show, Amos launched Wheelhouse in 2018.

However, being a single owner with a small sample roaster and a full-time job became increasingly challenging.

In 2020, after a beautiful summer wedding, he and his wife set out to grow Wheelhouse together. From basement beginnings to a thriving café, their journey is driven by their love for coffee and the people they serve.

We discuss:

  • How Amos Was Introduced to Coffee
  • Beginning and Building Confidence in Roasting
  • Navigating Stagnation
  • The Shift Towards a Coffee Business
  • Feedback and Growth in Coffee Roasting
  • Understanding Customer Relationships
  • The Move To Opening a Coffee Shop
  • Balancing Vision with Financial Realities
  • Building Relationships with Customers
  • Advice for Aspiring Cafe Owners

KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS

1:1 CONSULTING + COACHING!

If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email 

chris@keystothshop.com

of book a free call now: 

https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min 

 

Related episodes: 

 


Running a coffee shop is about so much more than pulling great shots. It's a complex dance of craft, culture, and commerce that demands a unique kind of leadership. That's the space where Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders lives. Hosted by Chris Deferio, this podcast digs into the real, often unspoken challenges faced by owners, managers, and aspiring leaders in the specialty coffee world. Each conversation moves beyond abstract theory to deliver concrete, usable strategies you can apply directly to your operation. You'll hear from a diverse range of voices, including seasoned coffee professionals and insightful experts from other fields, all focused on the practicalities of building a thriving business. Episodes tackle the full spectrum of running a shop, from daily systems and financial health to fostering a positive team environment and developing your own skills as a leader. The aim is to provide a genuine resource for growth, whether you're looking to refine your barista program, improve your shop's profitability, or scale your vision thoughtfully. Tune in for honest discussions that equip you with more than just inspiration-they offer the tangible keys to building a better, more sustainable coffee business. This podcast understands that your passion is for coffee, but your success depends on mastering the craft of leadership.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders
Podcast Episodes
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