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In this episode of the Brave Commerce podcast, hosts Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Mesh Gelman, the visionary founder and CEO of Cumulus Coffee Company.
Gelman shares his fascinating journey from textiles to the world of coffee, revealing how a chance encounter with Starbucks icon Howard Schultz inspired his shift from “putting people to sleep” in the home fashions industry to “waking them up” with coffee.
Through riveting stories, he reflects on his time at Starbucks, where he saw firsthand the power of innovation at scale and the coffee culture that drives it.
Gelman goes on to introduce Cumulus Coffee Company, his latest venture. Built on the observation that consumers increasingly crave iced coffee yet struggle to create a premium experience at home, Cumulus aims to make café-quality cold brews and nitro-infused coffee accessible on demand.
He highlights the science behind cold brew’s smoother taste and discusses the challenges and breakthroughs involved in making a nitrogen-infused beverage without specialized equipment.
To wrap up, Gelman shares insights into his DTC and B2B growth strategies for Cumulus, highlighting opportunities in office spaces, bars, and luxury hotels where customers seek elevated coffee experiences. Reflecting on his career, Mesh reveals the brave step that changed his life: taking Howard Schultz’s invitation to “stay in touch” seriously. His decision to follow up led to a career-defining relationship, reinforcing the importance of courage and follow-through in the world of commerce.
Key takeaways:
- Seizing Opportunities: Gelman’s career pivot highlights the importance of embracing new opportunities and not shying away from bold introductions that could change one’s trajectory.
- Cold Coffee Revolution: Cumulus Coffee aims to fill the gap in the cold coffee market, bringing café-level quality into consumers’ homes through innovation.
- Power of Follow-Through: Gelman’s decision to follow up with Howard Schultz exemplifies how brave, consistent actions can lead to profound professional and personal growth.
