261. Building Hospitality-Driven Communities with The Usual Company

Mar 31, 2026

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Why does your favorite local coffee shop feel like more than just a morning pit stop? Join Michelle and industry insider Sadie Renee as they explore the impact of values-driven businesses, the evolution of coffee culture, and why the barista behind the counter might be shaping your community more than you think. From the inner workings of hospitality to the challenges of running a low-margin business, they discuss how thoughtful purchasing, authentic relationships, and grassroots marketing are redefining the modern coffee experience.

Sadie Renee is a relentless builder, orchestrator, and progress-driver, fueled by metabolizing strategy into creative action and finding better ways to get sh*t done. From the good old days behind the coffee bars of KCMO to serving as VP of Coffee at Oatly, Sadie has developed a reputation for navigating obstacles with tenacity and precision. A natural leader and compassionate collaborator, she lives by the value that a rising tide lifts all boats, often finding her place at the helm of that tide. When not working, Sadie dedicates time to musical pursuits, her extensive human and fur family, and enjoying life in the beautiful Hudson Valley. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following:

Sadie's career journey in coffee
Community building vs. following
Launching The Usual Company
Bridging CPG and coffee industries
The coffee shop experience
Embracing identity in coffee culture
Improving coffee industry economics
Generational habits and collective change
Marketing challenges and shifting strategies
Reviving the coffee community together

---------------------- RESOURCES:

Episode 254: Client Case Study: Studio Tigre
Episode 161: Avoiding Burnout as a Creative with Morgan Drinks Coffee
Offline with Jon Favreau Episode 218: The Enshittification of the Internet (with Cory Doctorow)

----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about The Usual Company, follow them on Instagram @TheUsual.Company and visit their website, ItsTheUsual.com ----------------------- Stop managing software and start hosting your people. This episode is sponsored by Heartbeat. Create an authentic community today and start your free trial at Heartbeat.Chat/KMA. Once you're ready to upgrade your plan, use code KMA30 for 30% off. P.S. Want to be a community member before creating your own? Join the Kiss My Aesthetic community on Heartbeat!

----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at:

----------------------- -- COFFEE -- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! -- ZENCASTR -- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high-quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . -- AUDIBLE -- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard