Rook Coffee co-founder to speak at Cowerks University
'Evolution of a local brand' is theme of discussion
Locally-based Rook Coffee Roasters co-founder Holly Migliaccio is slated to speak at a Cowerks University event Wednesday night.
The theme of the local entrepreneur’s talk is “Evolution of a local brand,” according to a press release from Cowerks University.
Based out of Cowerks shared meeting space, the goal of Cowerks University is to provide a community resource for small business, entrepreneurs and technology enthusiasts to learn, network, and grow their companies, said Bret Morgan, co-founder of Cowerks and organizer of Cowerks University.
Migliaccio will be talking about how she evolved the Rook brand into what is becoming a shore institution, and the challenges associated with growth, the release said.
“I’ve always been impressed how they run their brick-and-mortar operation very much like a startup,” said Morgan.
Rook Coffee has four coffee bars in Monmouth County, a roastery and distribution center, a cold brew bottling business and an online retail business, according to the release.
A Monmouth County native, Migliaccio spent several years between New York and San Francisco working for internet companies Yahoo! and TheLadders.com where she held various management positions over seven years in sales, marketing, operations and training. These skills would eventually prepare her for her own entrepreneurial venture, the release said.
In 2008, Migliaccio resigned from her corporate career to travel throughout Southeast Asia for three months with only a backpack. When she returned to states, she and longtime childhood friend, Shawn Kingsley, decided to open a business based on a shared passion – coffee, the Cowerks news release said.
“I’m excited to hear Holly speak at Cowerks and learn a bit about their past and where they’re going as a company,” Morgan said.
The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. Attendance is free but seating is limited. For more information and to RSVP, visit the Jersey Shore Tech Meetup Group page hosted by Morgan.
Cowerks is located on the 3rd floor of the Lakehouse building at 619 Lake Ave. in Asbury Park.
[Pictured above right is the Rook Coffee location on Route 35 at West Park Avenue.]
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