Leadership and Teamwork: What I Learned at SCA Houston and How It’s Shaping Our Growth at 787 Coffee
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As entrepreneurs and small business owners, we often find ourselves wearing many hats—whether it’s managing day-to-day operations, leading a team, or making big decisions that shape the future of our companies. But one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that leadership isn't just about being the face of the business—it’s about creating an environment where every person on your team feels empowered, supported, and aligned with your company’s mission.
At the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Expo in Houston, I was reminded of the importance of leadership, teamwork, and growth. This was our first time with a booth at this prestigious event, and it became an incredible opportunity to witness firsthand how leadership—when done right—creates a ripple effect of empowerment, learning, and success.
What Is SCA and Why We Took on a 20x20 Booth
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is a global community of coffee professionals dedicated to sharing knowledge and improving the coffee industry through education and collaboration. SCA Expos are the premier events for coffee professionals, with a focus on learning, innovation, and sharing knowledge. These events bring together coffee farmers, roasters, baristas, equipment manufacturers, and industry leaders to celebrate and elevate the coffee experience.
When I decided to take on a 20x20 booth at SCA Houston, it was about much more than just showcasing our products—it was about making a statement. We wanted to present 787 Coffee as a proud Puerto Rican coffee company rooted in our farm-to-cup philosophy, while also providing our team with the opportunity to shine. I knew this would be a challenging project, but it also represented a chance to showcase the amazing leaders I have the privilege of working with.
The Leadership Challenge I Gave Myself
One of the most pivotal moments of this experience was when I challenged myself to step back. While I focused on other parts of the business that needed my attention, I entrusted my team with the responsibility of leading our booth operations. This was my way of demonstrating that 787 Coffee’s strength lies in the talent and dedication of our team—not just in me.
By stepping back, I gave my leaders the space to take ownership, make decisions, and implement the plans we had crafted. The results were powerful. Our booth wasn’t just about selling coffee—it was about telling the story of 787 Coffee, our heritage, and our journey. And that story was shared through the leadership and actions of our team.
Involving the Team in Every Process
One of the biggest wins from this experience was involving the team in every process of the booth’s creation and evaluation. From the moment we started planning, I knew it was important for each person to have a voice in the process. This isn’t just a leadership philosophy—it’s part of our company culture. I don’t just want to create a vision and have it executed; I want my team to be part of shaping that vision.
We worked together to figure out logistics, booth design, merchandise, and how to engage with visitors. Everyone brought something unique to the table, whether it was marketing expertise, coffee knowledge, or a passion for Puerto Rican coffee.
Lessons in Leadership from My Team
As we set up and worked throughout the event, I was continuously inspired by the leaders on my team. Each of them taught me something about leadership, adaptability, and what it means to serve others. Here are just a few of the lessons I took away:
Sebastian taught me that leadership is about taking care of your team. He was there for us from day one—making breakfast, driving the Uhaul, and jumping in wherever needed. His dedication to the team was unwavering.
Laura showed me the power of listening. She asked the right questions before presenting her ideas, ensuring we were all on the same page before moving forward.
Michael’s eagerness to learn reminded me that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being open to learning and seeking ways to improve.
Sam empowered his team by teaching them everything he knows. His commitment to sharing knowledge and his love for Puerto Rican coffee were evident throughout the event.
Karina demonstrated consistency and determination, handling the logistics and operational details with grace and focus.
Irvin was a model of commitment, representing us with pride and ensuring our coffee equipment was always in top shape.
Zitlaly showed me how to balance priorities and responsibilities, always staying present even when she wasn’t physically there.
Paola exemplified the power of genuine connections, showing that leadership isn’t just about tasks—it’s about building relationships. Balancing her time between being a student and being a teacher.
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Consistent Training and Evolution: The Key to Growth
At 787 Coffee, we believe in the power of consistent training and evolution. We’re committed to making every experience, whether at a coffee expo or in our shops, an opportunity to learn and grow. This mindset isn’t just about teaching coffee knowledge—it’s about developing the leadership potential in every individual on our team.
By involving my team in every aspect of the booth at SCA Houston, I was able to see firsthand how leadership evolves through collaboration and responsibility. It reinforced my belief that leadership isn’t static—it’s dynamic. When we provide consistent training, challenge our teams to take on new roles, and empower them to lead, we open the door for exponential growth. And that growth, not only within the company but also within each individual, is what makes our team unstoppable.
Why This Experience Was a Win for 787 Coffee
The biggest win at SCA Houston wasn’t the coffee we served or the booth we built—it was the opportunity to showcase what our team can do when given the freedom and trust to lead. We didn’t just show up at the expo; we showed up as a unit, a team of leaders who are committed to pushing for greatness, learning from each other, and continuously evolving. That’s what will set 787 Coffee apart, and that’s what I believe every small business can achieve with the right leadership training and culture.
As business owners, we must recognize that our success doesn’t come from doing everything ourselves. It comes from building a team of leaders who can handle the day-to-day operations, adapt to challenges, and share in the responsibility of our vision. When you do that, you create a business that can grow, evolve, and thrive in any market.
Let this be a reminder: Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a journey, and it’s something we can all grow into together.
💡 How to Apply These Lessons at Work, at Home, and in Your Life
1. Lead by Example – Show Your Team How It’s Done
At Home: Lead by example with small everyday actions—whether it’s cleaning up after yourself, being punctual, or taking initiative to help out. Show your family or roommates how to work together by doing your part without being asked.
In Your Small Business: As a business owner or leader, demonstrate the behavior you want to see in your team. If you want your team to be punctual, responsible, or collaborative, you need to model those behaviors every day. Actions speak louder than words.
2. Listen Before You Speak – Understanding is Key
At Home: Before making decisions or giving advice, listen to the needs of your family or loved ones. Take time to understand their perspectives—whether it's about household responsibilities or how to balance personal and work life.
In Your Small Business: Practice active listening with your employees, customers, and partners. Take the time to hear them out and gather all the information before jumping to conclusions or making decisions. This creates an open environment where ideas flow freely and leads to better outcomes.
3. Encourage Continuous Learning – Growth is a Shared Effort
At Home: Support personal growth in your family. Encourage hobbies, learning new skills, or taking courses together. Whether it's cooking, technology, or a new language, make learning a shared family value.
In Your Small Business: Provide opportunities for your team to learn and grow. Encourage them to take on new challenges, learn new skills, or attend training workshops. A culture of continuous learning makes your business more adaptable and innovative.
4. Empower Others to Lead – Share Responsibility
At Home: Give family members or housemates their own responsibilities and leadership opportunities. Let your kids help plan meals or assign chores, allowing them to make decisions and lead in their own way.
In Your Small Business: Delegate responsibilities to your team and give them the autonomy to make decisions. Don’t micromanage. Empowering others to lead builds trust and helps develop a more resilient, independent team.
5. Adapt to Change with a Positive Attitude – Be Flexible
At Home: Life at home doesn’t always go as planned. Teach your family how to adapt when things change, whether it’s a change in routine, a last-minute schedule change, or unexpected guests.
In Your Small Business: Change is inevitable in business. Stay flexible and help your team adapt to new situations, market trends, or customer demands. A positive, "how can we make this work?" attitude keeps morale high during challenging times.
6. Prioritize and Balance – Stay Focused
At Home: Balance your personal, family, and professional responsibilities by setting clear priorities. Make sure to spend quality time with family while managing your work tasks effectively. Use a shared family calendar or task list to keep everyone on the same page.
In Your Small Business: Learn to prioritize what matters most. Focus on high-impact tasks that will drive your business forward. Delegate or defer less urgent tasks, and ensure your team is clear on what needs to be done first. Balance is key to staying productive and preventing burnout.
7. Be Consistent – Deliver What You Promise
At Home: Be reliable and follow through with your commitments. Whether it’s helping with school projects, cooking dinner, or keeping up with family routines, consistency builds trust at home.
In Your Small Business: Consistency is critical in business. Whether it’s customer service, product quality, or employee expectations, ensure that your business delivers consistently. This builds loyalty and trust with both customers and your team.
8. Celebrate Wins Together – Acknowledge Effort and Achievement
At Home: Celebrate milestones and achievements together as a family—whether it's a job well done on a project or a special family event. Recognize the effort everyone puts in.
In Your Small Business: Make it a habit to celebrate wins with your team. Recognize both big and small achievements. Whether it’s hitting a sales goal or simply improving a process, celebrations build morale and reinforce positive behaviors.
9. Foster Genuine Relationships – Build Strong Connections
At Home: Build genuine connections with your family members by having meaningful conversations, showing appreciation, and spending quality time together. Healthy relationships are the foundation of a positive home life.
In Your Small Business: Build strong relationships with your employees, customers, and business partners. Make an effort to understand their needs and show that you care. Strong relationships are key to loyalty and long-term success.
10. Stay Committed to Your Values – Be True to Your Mission
At Home: Stay true to the values you want to instill in your family, like respect, honesty, or kindness. Let these values guide your actions, especially during tough situations.
In Your Small Business: As a leader, your business culture should reflect your values. Be consistent with your mission and vision, whether you’re running your shop, interacting with customers, or making big decisions. Your values guide your decisions and build your brand.
11. Persevere Through Challenges – Keep Pushing Forward
At Home: There will be tough times at home, just like in business. Teach your family the importance of perseverance—whether it’s overcoming a personal challenge or sticking to goals despite obstacles.
In Your Small Business: Challenges will arise, but the ability to persevere will make or break your business. Lead your team through difficult times by remaining calm, focused, and solution-oriented. When your team sees you push through challenges, they’ll be motivated to do the same..
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YOU GOT THIS! Stay caffeinated.
✍️ Brandon Ivan Peña is a business coach, Latino entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of 787 Coffee and award winner author of the Creative Fucker book. He teaches leaders how to scale with soul, build teams that thrive, and grow with purpose. For more insights, workshops, and resources, visit soybrandon.com and follow him @soybrandon