In a recent interview with Lee Kantor, Claudia McMullin shared her unique journey from being a seasoned attorney to founding Hugo Coffee Roasters, a coffee business deeply intertwined with her passion for animal rescue.
The Genesis of Hugo Coffee
Claudia McMullin, a reformed attorney, moved from New York to Park City, Utah, in 1999 to escape the corporate law world. Despite her initial resistance, she continued practicing law for a while. However, her true passion was elsewhere. During this transitional period, Claudia explored various ventures, including running an animal rescue organization, Friends of Animals Utah, now known as Nuzzles & Company.
Her political career as the chair of the Summit County Council led her to discover an opportunity to purchase a coffee shop inside the Visitor Information Center. With a firm resolve and despite her husband’s skepticism, Claudia bought the coffee shop and named it after her beloved rescue dog, Hugo. A year later, she launched a roasting company to further her mission in animal rescue.
Combining Passions: Coffee and Animal Rescue
Claudia’s dedication to animal welfare seamlessly merged with her newfound love for coffee. Hugo Coffee Roasters donates a portion of its proceeds to animal welfare organizations nationwide. This unique mission not only differentiates Hugo Coffee in the marketplace but also resonates deeply with individual consumers who are passionate about both coffee and animal rescue.
Adapting to Challenges: The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Hugo Coffee Roasters. Pre-COVID, the business was primarily B2B, supplying coffee to hospitality accounts. The pandemic forced Claudia to pivot quickly to direct-to-consumer online sales and grocery sales. Despite initial challenges, this shift enabled Hugo Coffee to survive and adapt to the changing market landscape.
However, Claudia found the grocery vertical financially unsustainable and eventually sold the original coffee shop in 2022 to focus on growing the roasting company. A significant breakthrough came when Hugo Coffee Roasters became certified as an Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) and secured a spot in the Salt Lake City International Airport.
Expanding Horizons: Acquiring Two Creek Coffee
In a strategic move, Claudia recently acquired Two Creek Coffee, adding three more coffee shops in Salt Lake City to her portfolio. By hiring the previous owner to manage these shops, Claudia ensured the continuity of quality and service while focusing on her overarching business goals.
Building a Community Around a Cause
Hugo Coffee Roasters has two distinct brands: Hugo, supporting dog and cat rescues, and Fluffy Cow Coffee, supporting farm animal sanctuaries. The latter was acquired in December 2020, further expanding Claudia’s impact on animal welfare.
Claudia’s involvement with WBENC and WBEC-West has also provided valuable opportunities for growth and networking. She emphasizes the importance of partnering with motivated individuals who share her vision, allowing each to leverage their strengths and contribute to the business’s success.
A Vision for the Future
Claudia aims to make Hugo Coffee the go-to brand for animal lovers nationwide. Her goal is to build a robust subscription-based model of online sales, as this is where the significant impact on animal welfare organizations is made.
Conclusion
Claudia McMullin’s journey from law to lattes is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering passion for animal rescue. Through Hugo Coffee Roasters, she has created a unique business that not only serves exceptional coffee but also makes a meaningful difference in the lives of animals. As she continues to expand her brand and impact, Claudia remains driven by the belief that every cup of Hugo Coffee helps save an animal in need. To learn more, visit https://hugo.coffee/ or fluffycowcoffee.com. Listen to her full journey on Women in Motion using this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/coffee-compassion-canines/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
