In a business climate where “more, bigger, faster” often equals success, Brad Barber and his wife Angie have steered Cabin Coffee Co. down a different path. Their choice—informed by deep experience, personal reflection, and an unwavering commitment to culture—shows that the Ownership Advantage comes from putting people first, growing at a sustainable pace, and fostering a mindset of service. In this candid conversation with Tanner, Brad unpacks what it takes to build a business—and a life—rooted in authentic value and gratitude.
Why Slower Growth Beats Rapid Expansion
Businesses often feel pressure to scale quickly, but Brad’s experiences at Helzberg Diamonds and Applebee’s taught him that sustainable, intentional growth yields healthier cultures. At Helzberg, opening five to six stores a year was “healthy, manageable growth,” bolstered by a strong team and character. At Applebee’s, rapid expansion created chaos, burnout, and diminished joy.
Cabin Coffee could easily be a chain of 100+, but Brad explains why they stayed at around 20 locations: “We want to build a deeper and wider foundation to support our franchisees.” This approach allows for stronger relationships, better support, and a culture that permeates every store. The key lesson? Find your lane, honor your vision, and don’t compare your journey to others.
Culture as a Competitive Advantage
One of Cabin Coffee’s most striking features is its warmth—a “cozy, Northwoods western atmosphere” where, as Brad says, “people feel precious, important and valued.” Customers celebrate life’s highs and weather its lows within Cabin Coffee’s walls. Weddings, engagements, and even final goodbyes have happened at their outlets, proving that culture cannot be faked or rushed.
What draws the best franchise partners? According to Brad, it’s not just the brand. It’s the authenticity, the abundance mindset, and a genuine passion for service. Creating this environment starts with leadership—modeling the behavior, instilling gratitude, and reinforcing that “it’s better to give than receive.”
Servant Leadership: The Heart of the Business
Central to the Cabin Coffee philosophy is servant leadership. For Brad, it’s the joy of serving others that matters most. He recounts how even listening and asking thoughtful questions of a struggling team member can unlock breakthroughs. It’s about helping employees see their value, coaching them to discover their own capacity for service, and instilling a sense of gratitude.
As Tanner shares, the most fulfilling moments come not from personal accomplishment but from when “somebody else can receive it, take it, use it, and it impacts their life in a positive way.” The loop of giving and receiving feedback (and kindness) fuels both the giver and receiver, reinforcing culture and building lasting teams.
Finding Your Lane—and Staying Grateful
Both speakers emphasize the importance of finding your lane in life and business. Brad describes how people shine when they’re operating within their strengths and passions, making it “almost like not even work.” For him and Angie, quilting gifts for team members or orchestrating large community events like Bash at the Lake exemplify how staying authentic brings out the best in people.
Gratitude, Brad Barber insists, is the thread stitching every part of this tapestry together: “When you have a grateful soul, mind and heart, you can’t help but be happy.” It’s a simple, powerful driver, and it sets the tone for everyone in the organization—from franchisees to baristas.
Practical Wisdom for Business Owners
Cabin Coffee’s story is full of practical, actionable takeaways for owners and team members alike:
- Build relationships before revenue—culture outlasts profit.
- Grow at a sustainable pace so you can support your people.
- Serve from the heart and teach others to do the same.
- Leverage impact by bringing diverse talents together.
- Stay grateful and recognize each person’s contribution.
As Brad Barber learned from a high school mentor, “The sooner you learn it’s not about you, but about enriching other people’s lives, you will live a fruitful life.” That wisdom is the real Ownership Advantage.
Closing Thoughts
In a world fixated on numbers and nonstop hustle, Cabin Coffee’s story stands out as a blueprint for creating businesses—and lives—that matter. Invest in people, nurture culture, and cultivate gratitude. The result? Not just success, but true fulfillment and community impact that multiplies far beyond any bottom line.
Connect with Brad HERE
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