College could be a daunting word for high school students. Aside from a few more years in school, it creates uncertainty as the costs of going to college are steadily rising over the years. This was the concern of Max Legere, who built his own coffee shop to raise funds while helping charities. Here’s his story.
Who is Max Legere?
Max Legere was a High School student from Saint John who was looking for a minimum wage job when he was in Grade 11. He was looking to build his college fund in preparation for the coming year.
Max thought that he would just get a minimum wage job, but he ended up opening his own coffee stand. Every Sunday at the Queen Square Farmers’ Market, Max could be seen manning his own coffee stand, the College Fund Coffee.
The grind for Max still continues even amidst the pandemic. He and his staff are equipped with Personal Protective Equipment and guided by social distancing whenever they give customers their coffee fix.
Inspiration Behind the Business
As a high school student, Max knew the importance of coffee for sleepless nights. The first service of the College Fund Coffee was in May 2019, where it coincided with his exam week.
Max also donates to his chosen charities. The first charity he donated to was the Teen Resource center, who offers programs for youth ages 13-30. He donated one week’s worth of profits and everything in the tip jar, totaling to $500. In an interview with Huddle, he said:
“I don’t even like saying that we donated that money because really, it was the Queen Square Farmers’ Market patrons who donated that money,”
Max was able to link up with JavaMoose Coffee Roasters for his business. The latter provided Max with all the equipment needed. Max looked back and said that without the help of JavaMoose Coffee Roasters, they would have to purchase all of the equipment needed for his coffee stand. Aside from the coffee they sell, College Fund Coffee also sells its self-branded merchandise.
The Future of College Fund Coffee
Since online classes will be held in the Fall, Max will be able to finish the Farmers’ Market season in Saint John. In the event that face-to-face classes resume, he believes that the business is in good hands.
Max has a sister that could take over the business while he was away. He said that he will continue running the business when he comes back during the break. As for his learnings as an entrepreneur, he wishes to remind other budding entrepreneurs that good and bad days happen. He told Huddle:
“There’ll be days in the market where it’s down-pouring and you might even lose money on that day,” Legere said. “But the next day you get back in gear, you recoup your losses and you just keep going.” He added
To hear more about the College Fund Coffee, visit their Facebook page.
In the spirit of teen entrepreneurs, you may be interested in this teen duo who uses their business to benefit their community.
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