Valentine Coffee Co.

Valentine Coffee Co.
5918 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee
www.valentinecoffeeco.com
Year founded: 2009
Product or service offered: Roasters of specialty coffee for both the retail and wholesale markets
Leadership team: Robb Kashevarof, president and CEO; Joe Gilsdorf, vice president and COO
Projected 2015 revenue: $1.4 million
Target clientele: Every present and future coffee drinker with an interest in quality.
Business organization memberships: Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce, Vliet St. Business Association, American Indian Chamber of Commerce, Specialty Coffee Association of America, Roasters Guild
What has fueled your company’s growth?
“Extensive background in food/wine/hospitality, bringing about a product of uncompromised quality, and a dedication to maintaining that level of quality, innovation and service to all of our customers.”
What is the biggest obstacle to your company’s growth?
“Keeping up with the capital demands of reinvestment to maintain healthy and sustainable long-term growth.”
Do you plan to make any changes to your company?
“Continuing to seek and hire the highest caliber of new people.”
Who are the business people you admire?
“Locally, Joe Bartolotta has been generous, sharing his time, experience and advice with us.More broadly, all those producers of quality products – coffee, food, wine – that have remained committed to their standard of quality through periods of exciting growth.”
What is the outlook for your industry?
“The regional specialty coffee market remains healthy, growing, yet very competitive.”
What is your company’s most important growth strategy?
“Attention to and retention of existing accounts while continuing to seek out and develop partnerships with like-minded businesses.”