LaRue Coffee & Roasterie has been a family owned company since 1972. They currently service 10,000 clients in 13 states via route delivery service each month. LaRue roasts and packages coffee for LaRue coffee routes along with 60 other companies’ distribution. Coffee is their passion. Terry Herr is the Vice President of Field Operations for LaRue Coffee & Roasterie.
How did you get started in the business? – I grew up in a restaurant. My parents owned a small café in Fort Dodge, IA for 25 years. I started working when I was 3 years old doing odd jobs around the café. I remember we sold Folgers coffee out of a pour over coffee maker and used instant iced tea. I knew that I wanted to make sure that we were providing fresh roasted coffee to as many clients as possible and had a passion for coffee.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Keeping my team focused with our fast-paced business has been a challenge. There are many moving parts to our business as we cover 13 states and operate from our 120,000 sq. ft. warehouse to spread our products throughout the Midwest. Communication is key for all employees as teamwork will prevail in the end.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Becoming Vice President, as I worked my way through many positions at LaRue. I set goals for myself, worked hard and refused to give up. My passion is to create a better environment for my team.
Tell me a little about your family. – My wife Teresa and I were married on the beach in Key West, FL in 2006. I have two awesome sons; Logan is 2 and Mikey is 6.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When Mikey was born, it really made me look ahead to the future. This world is a big place and there is so much that you can do to leave a legacy behind for your kids. It’s not about what you know, it is about how you can impact other people’s lives and make the world a better place for all.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I enjoy spending time with my boys. Mikey is involved in many sports–soccer, flag football, wrestling, and basketball to name a few. This takes up most weekends. I enjoy coaching and watching Mikey accomplish his goals that he sets out to achieve.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I have a passion for cooking. I have managed a few restaurants, from the back of the house to the front of the house.
What are you the most proud of? – My family. My son Mikey says when he gets older he wants to be a coffee man like his dad. He says he will sell more coffee than me and that he will be my boss someday. I told Mikey that he might be right.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – As my mom always said, be kind to everyone you meet. You never know what lies beneath the surface. What you say can really change or impact many lives if you are just kind to everyone.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Slow down time! We all need to take time to enjoy the precious things in life.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Call (402) 333-9099 or visit www.laruecoffee.com.