Coffee is often a conversation starter with those who seek out the pleasant treat for a plethora of reasons. Customers may be looking for a refresh after a long day, or a delightful start to their long day of work ahead, and sometimes even a break from reality. Coffee has the power to break down barriers and bring light into the lives of individuals. At 18 years old Tom Oswald recognized the need of an outlet of positivity in the world, but also recognized the outlet that a fresh cup of coffee could do to someone’s day. So, 18-year-old Tom, having a dream of making a positive impact on the world, decided to pursue the coffee industry in a way that some people would find daunting. Being 18 with a dream so grand, Tom had to take an unusual route to becoming a business owner. Tom found a location perfect for his ideal customer demographic in Hahndorf, Australia at Theil’s Shop. This shop allowed Tom to take Homeboy Co. through the process of ideation and prototyping. This space allowed Tom to work through business models, focus on producing a great product, and prioritizing his customer experience. Tom calls Theil’s Shop the SZN 1 of Homeboy Coffee. As Homeboy has grown, and Tom as well, there has been the opportunity for Homeboy to change locations to a permanent space in Adelaide, Australia, close to Adelaide University. Tom is working currently on renovating this new space to be the cozy and positive atmosphere that Homeboy Coffee strives to be. Alongside the new location, Homeboy is working to establish apparel that reflets Tom’s aesthetic but also allows the comfort of the Homeboy brand to travel with customers away from the coffee shop. With the opening of the Adelaide shop, Homeboy will officaly begin SZN 2.
Overall, Tom’s creation and process of establishing Homeboy Coffee is one that hasn’t been smooth, but with the help of Theil’s Shop, a place the supports innovative endeavors and allows for error and prototyping, Tom has been successful in creating his dream business. If you want to follow along with SZN 2 of Homeboy Coffee here is the link to the website!
The journey of Tom Oswald with Homeboy Coffee is an inspiration in itself. When he turned 18, it dawned upon him that coffee was something more than liquid in a cup; it was a way to disperse positivism and bring people together. His strategic thinking in choosing the right location to test his ideas showed great business sense.
We are now really excited to have it in a permanent location near Adelaide University, and to extend the vibe of the brand into apparel is just fantastic. Tom’s story also reminds us that age is no barrier in achieving what one desires. Growth at Homeboy Coffee is a testament to his vision and determination.
This is such a great story. As someone who loves coffee, it is really cool to see how he was inspired to start Homeboy Coffee at such a young age. Oswald struggled through challenges but made it through and is now such a role model to entrepreneurs young and old. It is a story of how someone can be inspired and act upon that inspiration and create something beautiful and resourceful for others.