This past Wednesday, Hogan students had the privilege to hear from an amazing, inspiring, young entrepreneur— Ed Schultz, President of Honolulu Coffee Company, Hawaii’s premier roaster and retailer of fine Kona coffee. He brought to class some quality coffee and tea, which was very thoughtful.
Before Ed began his presentation, Dr. John Webster shared with us the last stanza of Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken.
“…I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the ones less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
This poem is about choice and how one decision can change a person’s entire life. Ed chose one path over another, and made all the difference. He was a former investment banker in New York having worked as Vice President of Merchant Banking Group at BNP Paribas Asset Management, and Analyst of Financial Sponsor Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. His career took off as an entrepreneur, getting into the coffee making industry. His success is driven by the never ending commitment to quality from “farm-to-cup,” having fresh ingredients and product.
Ed is a leader and a mentor to his team. He leads by example by proving that he can do all aspects of his business. He is not afraid of getting his hands dirty. He enjoys talking to customers and sometimes works behind the counter, making coffee.
One of the important things Ed spoke about is that having a business plan is key. You should be able to write down your ideas, review your plan, and determine whether you are moving forward with success. Something to keep in mind as you think about your dreams and aspirations is a quote that Ed mentioned—“Do something that you will want to do and be the best in the world at it!”
Become the successful entrepreneur with the exclusive and desirable product, or the person that understands and embraces the differences. Do not pass up an opportunity to meet someone because that person could be your next successor.
Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Kaci Dela Cruz
Speaker Session with Ed Schultz 10/25/17