LaRue Coffee & Roasterie (www.laruecoffee.com) has been a family owned company since 1972 and currently services over 10,000 clients in 13 states via route delivery service each month. The company also roasts and packages coffee for over 60 companies. Coffee is truly their passion. Tracy O’Gorman is the Vice President of Field Operations for LaRue Coffee & Roasterie.
How did you get started in the business? – I started washing coffee carafes at 16 years old. My family gave me my start.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – LaRue’s customer base was built on customer service; we have a service that’s called “The LaRue Way.” The biggest challenge has been getting everyone on that same page.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Nebraska Salesman of the Year in 2005.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have a beautiful wife, Katie, and we have three sons — Triston (12), Dylan (12), and Quinten (2). I’m grateful for them all.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Becoming a father for sure, as it changes one’s perspective quickly.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Family, coaching my boys’ teams, yard work, golf, hunting, and exercising.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I had West Nile Virus and took part in the West Nile research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
What are you the most proud of? – My wife and kids, no doubt about it.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Givers gain. You get what you put out there.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Intense.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “T.N.T.” by AC/DC.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Definitely to be able to fly.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Public relations.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Negotiating without a conscience.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Coaching football.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Madonna School (www.madonnaschool.org). Our family donates time and money to the organization. We also employ a member of the Madonna School who works in our service department. They deserve every opportunity that we have to be successful in life.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Yankee Years by Joe Torre and Tom Verducci.
What is your favorite movie? – As of right now, American Sniper.
What is your favorite TV show? – Again as of right now, Modern Family.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – El Bee’s.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – George Steinbrenner.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached via our local number, (402) 333-9099, or you can visit the LaRue Coffee & Roasterie website at www.laruecoffee.com.