Date/Time
Date(s) - September 2, 2015
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location
Law Courts Inn Restaurant
Categories No Categories
Founder of JJ Bean Coffee Roasters
John Neate Jr.’s family is no stranger to the coffee business. His grandfather, Frank Neate started in the industry in 1928 and went on to open the legendary “Neates Coffee” in 1945. Shortly after, John Neate Sr. joined the business. Their goal was to bring quality coffee and exceptional service to Vancouver. It was in 1979 that John Junior (also known as JJ) entered the family business.
In 1990, after years of learning the business and achieving great success, Neate’s Coffee was sold to the Nestlé Beverage Company. Within two short years, John became the Regional Manager for BC.
In 1996, John decided it was time for a change and wanted to embark upon his own business venture. True to the entrepreneurial spirit of his family, John left Nestlé, and with the support of his wife Melanie, bought The Coffee Roaster and rebranded it as JJ Bean Coffee Roasters.
The company started with only two stores, one on Granville Island and the other on Powell Street. Seventeen years later, their highly anticipated 14th store is set to open its doors in False Creek this fall.
John’s focus has been on growing a team of people who share in his passion for coffee and exceptional customer service. He attributes his accomplishments to his Senior Leadership team, employee shareholders, employees and suppliers. Johns success would not be possible without the support of his wife who shares his passions, and his son Jesse who is now a 4th generation coffee connoisseur. in serving the best tasting high quality coffee, while paying farmers the fair prices they deserve.
The unique design of the stores has also been noticed, not only by coffee aficionados, but the community at large. The firm Design Dialog, exclusively designs the JJ Bean locations led by Brady Dunlop and Neto Franco (the JJ Retail Team leader builds them). Recently, The Marine Building store won a BOMA award for design, as it honors the art deco building in which it resides.
John’s motto has been “If it is not broken, break it. The worst you can do is rebuild it back to what it was, but what if you make it better?” It is no wonder that JJ Bean has been featured in the Georgia Straight for “Best of Vancouver” each year, rating the coffee chain as the city’s number one for the past 5 years in a row.
It is his innovation, knowledge and passion for coffee that has made John Neate Jr. so successful in the industry and the first to be inducted under the Restaurant Hall of Fame’s coffee and beverage category.
What is Business by the Book?
The first Wednesday of every month is Business By The Book, where people from the business community come to be inspired and empowered by amazing leaders who fearlessly share their triumphs and tribulations and how their faith in God has positively impacted their personal and business lives. It’s a great place to connect with others over a quick lunch while getting equipped by some of the best leaders in the marketplace. Everyone is welcome.
Time and Location
Business by the Book is held at the the Law Courts Inn Restaurant (800 Smithe Street, 4th Floor) in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by one of our friendly Business by the Book greeters who will direct you to where you want to go.
Date: Every first Wednesday of the month
Time: 12:00 pm — 1:00 pm
Location: Law Courts Inn Restaurant (800 Smithe Street, 4th Floor)
Parking: Underground paid parking is available (park in the “red” zone to access the elevators that lead to the 4th floor).
Agenda
- 12:00 Greeting/food is served
- 12:20 Speaker (during lunch)
- 12:50 Wrap-up
Sponsors
This event is brought to you in part by Coastal Church and the generous attendees of the event.
http://www.businessbythebook.ca/portfolio/john-neate/?tp=932