In 2016 Jim Nightingale’s job was coming to an end. With their son attending school Marilou and Jim knew they wanted to stay in Vanderhoof but job prospects were few and far between. Jim visited WorkBC and after a few talks and tests, found out he had an “entrepreneurial personality.” Marilou and Jim had been enjoying roasting coffee at home and they wondered if this might be the direction they should go. They decided to take the plunge, so to speak, and approached Community Futures Stuart Nechako with designs on a new industrial roaster.
“Tammy was amazing.” said Marilou “She walked us through and coached us in all the intricacies of importing.” Jim says, “Community Futures also showed us the ins and outs of how to grow our business.” The Nightingales undertook a marketing test and had samples of some of their roasts available at the local bakery. “The response was very favourable.” Said Jim.
Armed with the knowledge they gained from both WorkBC and Community Futures and confident of their product from the market testing, Marilou and Jim struck out and Nightingale coffee is now a very recognizable brand in the geographical centre of BC and growing.
The brew was featured when the two operated the Okay Café at the Vanderhoof Museum for a couple of summers and even though others are running the café now, Nightingale coffee is still brewed there.
With son Zech now on board the little coffee roasting company is growing steadily supplying various businesses in Vanderhoof, Fort St. James and Prince George with more to come.
Nightingale coffee is sourced from 6 to 7 different countries and all are “Fair trade and organic.”.
We have appreciated the mentoring from Tammy and the encouragement from the whole CF Team to try new venues and ways to promote our coffee. You all have been great!!”
| And, if you drop into Community Futures Stuart Nechako for a talk you will be served Nightingale coffee. |
Watch Nightingale's Success Story video below
