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The Team
Running
a business is, of course, a lot more than making a fine espresso.
As I have often said the personal characteristics that allow me (require
me?) to be focused entirely on coffee quality and training are weaknesses
when it comes to the meat and potatoes of running a business. My
eyes cross and I get a headache if I try to look too hard at "the
numbers". The same if I get too close to the daily grind of bar management.
So I want to introduce my business partner and general manager, the
two people that have been by my side the longest offering this support.
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Geneva Sullivan
When
Geneva and I started Espresso Vivace in 1988 she was still a field
service technician repairing computers full time for Digital Equipment
Corporation. It was her salary that saw Vivace through the beginning
stages. Geneva had amassed a stellar record in computer repair for
Unisys, Sperry and finally DEC, but it was her dream to own her own
business. Her strength and wisdom got us both through the "night
sweats" of not knowing if we would survive or not. Her grace and
compassion got us through our biggest challenge, making the transition
from coffee carts to indoor stores in 1992. Right from the start
she has had sole responsibility for accounting, payroll, taxes, and
inventory. In business we are perfectly matched partners, each filling
in the weaknesses and limitations of the other.
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Brian Fairbrother
King
manager of 321 since before it was a store. (he managed the cart
at 301 Broadway before that.) Brian, besides being a very unique
soul, is our third leg on our decision stool. Brian, Geneva and I
are the "board of directors" for Vivace Inc.. We know that if all
three of us endorse a course of action for Espresso Vivace, it is
the right course of action. He has earned our respect countless times.
He was very crucial to holding the company together during our horrendous
transition from carts to stores in 1992. And he has earned the respect
of his staff for fair, but tough standards. It is Brian that is the
principal architect for our customer service philosophy: compassion
for the foibles of humanity. Brian practices his compassionate service,
and considerable skills as a master barista for Espresso Vivace four
days a week at 321 Broadway as he has for over ten years. If a problem
pops up on his watch he is fond of telling me "not to worry my artistic
little head over it." Thank you Brian
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