We had the good fortune of connecting with Miles Moran and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Miles, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Life is always risky, how do I know? Because no one gets out alive! That is a simple but powerful statement when you unpack it. I personally have found, if you never jump you will never know if you can fly. But the more jumps you take, the flight becomes more steady, less scary, and you can navigate that risk factor with the confidence knowing that you have been there before. Sometimes you have to take two steps or even five steps backwards to go forwards in the pursuit of what you want in life. I have left jobs without having anything lined up because the fear of feeling stuck outweighed the risk of the ever popular “what if” scenarios that get played out in our minds. There has been struggle, failure, and empty bank accounts along the way. But for me that little voice or gut feeling we all have, always knows when it’s time to move on. My latest jump was leaving a well-paying sales job with a lot of perks after five years. I am fortunate enough in my life/career right now to be only responsible for myself. I knew we could make something out of Selfish Pricks, and after trying a different career path in sales, that voice came back. I knew right then and there it was time. (I only lasted 3 months at the new job before I left) At a certain point you have to look inward and ask yourself, what do I value? What is important to me? Not anyone else just you. If I can’t get out alive how do I want to live while I’m alive? Surround yourself with the right people and you will find the answers to these questions become clearer. No one is self-made, including myself, and I would like to thank all the people that have helped my wings grow stronger over the years. You have made all the risks and jumps worth it. I am forever grateful. -Miles Moran: Co-Founder Selfish Pricks Coffee
What should our readers know about your business?
Selfish Pricks Coffee started in September of 2018, during my lunch break and with the help of my neighbor 4 heavy burlap bags of raw beans made their new home in the kitchen of my one bedroom apt. Fast forward two years later, and Selfish Pricks is on the move. We are popping up in local shops, being served in restaurants, getting inquiries about becoming guest roasters, and are even on the hunt for a larger roaster. That doesn’t happen by accident, it happens because we believe in our product, our branding, and our team. We set ourselves apart because we make a real connection with our customers, we are becoming more than just a coffee company we are becoming a brand. Yes our name stands out, but what we are most proud of is the growth we have seen since we started. People resonate with us on a personal level, because we unapologetically ourselves.
What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? That is ok to stand out, it’s still ok to laugh and have a sense of humor. As a brand we offer something for everyone. Selfish Pricks Coffee is fully customizable, do you want the Get Off My Lawn bag in a dark roast? Done. “But can I get it ground, instead of whole bean?” No problem. “My dad loves the Get Off My lawn bag, but he only drinks light roast, is it possible to get that bag in a light roast?” Yes, we can make that happen. We offer an opportunity for you to be selfish and have our great tasting coffee your way. We feel you can still have creative branding without sacrificing quality. Over the last two years, we have switched from the coffee company with “cool bags”, to the coffee company that is knocking out some of the best premium small batch roasts around. The bags, the customization, and the humor are now the cherry on top.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would leave that up to them, Denver like Selfish Pricks Coffee offers something everyone. Whether you want to indulge in the city life or escape to the outdoors, everything is at your fingertips. However if we are going to eat & drink like a Selfish Prick, then we are going to our “boardroom,” Sloan’s Tap & Burger. A lot of S/P concepts and ideas have come out of that place, it just feels like home.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are 3 of us now. It is a group effort but we would not be where we are without these two Pricks. Matthew Cole: Co-Founder, Head Roaster, & Proud Father
Matt is a Colorado native, and roasts some of the best damn coffee on both sides of the Mississippi. Matt was in the Peace Corps for 3 yrs in Ethiopia, during his time there not only did he cut his teeth by learning from the best but he also started a small coffee shop of his own. He supported the surrounding community and gave others opportunities that were otherwise not available. When he returned to the states he left his shop behind but always knew coffee was in his heart. Matt and I met when I transferred offices at my previous sales job. We both had similar aspirations in life and when he mentioned his passion for coffee I knew we were on to something. It was like a bolt of lightning hit when we decided on the name Selfish Pricks. Within a month we had 9 custom bags, registered for an LLC, and decided to go into debt together (before he even roasted a single bean.) I believed in Matt that much, I know he reciprocated those feelings. While Matt is more behind the scenes and the roaster, he makes the wheels turn on this machine. His knowledge of coffee, roasting capabilities, and the creativity he brings to Selfish Pricks cannot be duplicated. You’re the best Matt, don’t forget it.
Steven Louis Prescott: New Partner, Lawyer, & Guardian Angel
I call SLP guardian angel, because he is the type of person that sees potential in you even if you can’t see it for yourself. A bundle of positivity energy, Steven not only came into my life but into Selfish Pricks life when it was needed. As I mentioned before no one is self-made, you need good people in your life to help you get through the tough times. About a year ago I was lost, I knew I wanted to focus my energy on Selfish Pricks, but the outer workings of my life were not at its best to say the least (taking risks can do that to you). Through mutual friends Steven and I connected, we owe a big chunk of this year’s success to him. SLP was our missing piece. He is business savvy, highly intelligent, and has an unquenchable thirst for success. He saw the potential, and he dove right in. Steven would work a full day in the office and then help me work on Selfish Pricks even before he was our new partner. Speaking of partner not only would he give us his time, contract advice, and breathe new life into S/P but he did it all while he was in the process of becoming a new partner at his law firm. Steven is one of us now, and we couldn’t be happier. Steven Louis Prescott while others may see you wearing stylish suits and ties, I see you wearing a cactus halo. Thank you for believing in us.
Website: https://selfishprickscoffee.com/
Instagram: @selfishprickscoffee
Facebook: @selfishprickscoffee
Image Credits
All black and white photos are labeled but the photo credit goes to Roman Tafoya @rmtafoya roman@themilehighcity.com