Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley Kiltz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Riley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Craftwork was started due to an intellectual curiosity that I had with the shifting workforce and how it interacts with the world. As a young 20-something, I was eager to prove myself in my career (I was working for a New York based private equity firm), so I was working long hours frequently on the road and often alone. Technology allowed our team to be spread out across the globe, but I rarely saw anyone a worked with. Even for the very independent person that I was, I still found myself longing for interactions with people. So, I started thinking of what the ideal workspace would look like: people, accessibility, energy, and (of course) coffee. From this idea, Craftwork was born. We wanted to create an engaging workspace community that was energized by its open to the public coffee shop, and so far, we’ve been able to deliver on that vision. We have two locations open and three new locations on the way.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m certain that question is a joke to any entrepreneur that is honest with him/herself. Every day brings new challenges. We get about one smooth day a week then the other six exist for us to learn, adjust, refine, improve, and move forward stronger.
The struggles change as we grow up as a business. First, you think construction is the hardest part, then, it’s training your team, then, the grand opening. All those things feel simple now, not easy, but simple. Today, I find the biggest struggle is holding the vision. It’s an essential part of being a good leader, and it requires attentiveness and persistence.
Craftwork Coffee Co. – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Craftwork is a specialty coffee shop and vibrant workspace that exists to draw people out of isolation and into community. We desire to create an environment of ease and inspiration. Our care and attentiveness set us apart, and we want each and every person to walk into Craftwork and immediately recognize that this is a place where they belong.
We do this by 1) Curating a high-quality but easily understood menu, we are able to provide customers a sense of comfort while they enjoy their coffee, by 2) offering private suites, community work areas, and engaging events for our members, we’re providing inspiration, productivity, and comfort, and by 3) maintaining a staff of talented, friendly, and passionate folks, we bring people into the Craftwork culture with every interaction.
Our Values
Humility
We treat customers with genuine care not because
it’s a rule, but because they deserve it. Not everyone spends time in coffee shops, so we
always seek to guide, not humiliate.
Excellence
We care for people by seeking perfection. By striving for perfection with the small things, we
achieve it with the big things.
Simplicity
Coffee shops can be overwhelming, so we put
customers at ease by keeping it simple, intuitive,
and graceful.
Warmth
We’re in the relationship business, not the coffee
business. If we show customers love, they’ll know
that this is a place where they belong
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I’d say that it was hearing from my wife that she’s proud of me, and that she believes in what we do at Craftwork. Work and family can be a tricky balance, and it typically is anything but balanced. Having Emily’s support is invaluable to me. Seeing my family interact with a space that I’ve helped create is very special.
Pricing:
- Workspace memberships start at $100 per month
Contact Info:
- Address: 4731 Camp Bowie Blvd
- Website: www.craftworkcoffeeco.com
- Phone: 817-737-4169
- Email: info@craftworkcoffeeco.com
- Instagram: @craftworkcoffeeco
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/craftworkcoffeeco
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