purpose

(For every page's details, please scroll down.)

I am Kingston, and this is my project page.

This site is to document my journey through projects to help individuals and small business owners with a couple things that could make a difference.

I do this via mini projects. I also write, and I recently released my eBook ( Get To Know Your Backyard Opportunity), based on the lessons from my 21-Day project here in Austin, TX.

This book is aimed at highlighting the initiative we can all take to gather valuable skills in writing, communication, and interacting with people through an interview project in our local communities. The benefits could be life-changing.

Update Note: In the meantime, you can also pick up a free copy of my released mini-guide: Start With A Story: A Mini Guide On Opening Your Book With A Tale.

And also check out my latest startup in NYC, Kilimanjaro.

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Tuesday, December 23, 2014

The Cafe Java Lessons

The Cafe Java Story

Retired from the military, Matt Lacy returned to his childhood passion, working in the kitchen. Partnering with Eva, his partner, they host locals in their neighborhood to great food and coffee for the last 19 years.



What I learned from Matt:

  1. Commitment

    Matt and Eva, having started a while longer than most of the other owners I talked to, had to grapple with presenting a business plan for at least 5 years to the bank for a portion of the seed money. That, he said, forced them to think carefully about how to proceed. 

    Also, folks should be clear on how they will keep up with leasing and seed money payments in the first initial years. A leasing agreement to pay $400,000 over 5 years could lead to default and bankruptcy, if the owner fails to stay in business, after a year. He therefore hopes folks are pursuing something they are passionate about which makes it possible to endure difficulties.

  2. Strive for a family feeling

They---he and Eva---know most of their customers by first name, and attend important family events---like weddings, graduations, funerals, and others---in the lives of their customers. Also they both enjoyed being around people, and went into business to serve people first, and the success followed.



  1. Time dedication to the business and hiring the right people

    The owner should be ready to invest a great amount of time in the business. Working 16 hour days, and missing some important events---birthdays, anniversaries, etc---should not be surprising. And to note, this counsel is for folks interested in starting a restaurant.

    Also hire people who have the same values and culture as you do, and you'll have a blast working together. "We get the opportunity everyday to change lives," he tells his employees.


Note worthy quotes:

"It was a boyhood dream of mine...I enjoyed the sounds, sights, and smells of a little cafe....for me it's a playground."

"When I am stressed, I go back to the kitchen, wash some dishes, and  hearing the dishes clunking together, it's a distresser for me. It's like going back to being a kid with no worries."

"If you are basing your success on how much money you are making, you are never gonna be successful because you will be chasing money all your life."



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