Consulting with The Teaguy

In the past decade I have opened 5 of my own shops, and helped in the creation and development of 14 others.  That's almost 20 shop openings in 10 years or 2 a year since I started in this wonderful tea business.

With this decade of hands-on experience comes a wealth of knowledge.  Knowledge that I have learned in some cases through the school of hard knocks, trial & error and  working with the many dedicated tea entrepreneurs who have entrusted me to guide them through the opening process. The learning curve is fast and steep and many ventures do not succeed.  Whether it is a lack of fortitude, commitment or just a really bad choice of location, it is difficult for anyone to witness a business fail before it ever gets off the ground. I was there once, so I know how large those butterflies get.

This is where I fit in.  I can guide you through the initial planning; help you find a suitable space, work with your architect and contractors, help you source and evaluate your suppliers, train you and your staff and lend a hand when and where I can.

Hiring a consultant with the kind of knowledge and experience that I possess can save you from making costly mistakes and get the cash register clinking sooner rather then later.  Unless you have done it before, there is little way to foresee the outcome of unguided, spur of the moment choices you will undoubtedly make.

I have been most helpful to other clients in the following areas:

1.     Business Plan creation & financial forecasting

2.     Location selection

3.     Lease negotiations

4.     Choosing and working with and Architect, designer and contractors

5.     Interior design & layout

6.     Product sourcing

7.     Pricing and profit center evaluation

8.     Retailing & merchandising

9.     Menu & drink creation

10.   Owner, manager and staff training, relations

11.   Specialty tea bar beverages

12.   Promotions and customer loyalty programs.

These are some of the numerous topics you need to cover to ensure your success.  Some of us starting teahouses have a little of this knowledge, and some have quite a bit. I can confidently say that my experience puts me in the latter category.

Projects come in all shapes and sizes. I helped create a 335-sq/foot teahouse a few years back in the Okanagan on a shoestring budget and then opened almost 10 shopping mall outlets for a large chain within 19 months. The breadth of my skill set can benefit you. At the very least, this know-how could eliminate many costly mistakes you will potentially make.

My goal in assisting you is to leave you with a tea business that is leading the charge on specialty loose leaf. When you hire The Teaguy, you are getting a decade of tea specific knowledge.

So let me know how I can help - send me an inquiry and tell me what you are doing and what your challenges are. I would love to hear about your latest tea venture!

~a pioneering past~

Vertically Inclined Rock Gym - Edmonton, Alberta Co-founder, Owner

Steeps the Urban Teahouse - Edmonton, Alberta  - Founder & owner

5 locations in 5 years - The first multi store chain teahouse in Canada.

The Chai Company - Delta, British Columbia - Founder, Owner

Chai Baba teahouse - Kelowna, British Columbia  - Consultant, Mentor

Good Health Tea bar - Victoria, British Columbia - Consultant, Mentor

Infusion Teas & Tisane - Sudbury, Ontario - Consultant

Teaopia Ltd - Toronto, Ontario, Director, Consultant, Friend

Opened locations in Toronto, Cambridge, London, Ottawa, Calgary, Mississauga & Kingston.

Teh Bar - Montreal Quebec - Consultant, Mentor and Friend.

Tisanes Teas & Infusions - Saskatoon & Regina, Saskatchewan - Consultant