Small Business Breakthroughs: Brandon Cruise, Franchise Owner of Biggby Coffee

Join the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Columbus State Community College in partnership with the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center for a podcast-style discussion designed to dig into the topics that are impacting your business and keeping you up at night.

In this edition of “Small Business Breakthroughs,” we will discuss the ins and outs of starting and operating a successful retail food business with Brandon Cruise. Brandon and his family have started two Biggby Coffee locations in Marysville, Ohio. Brandon will discuss what was involved in securing, building, launching, and operating the location. He will also discuss how they find employees and what it takes to instill a high commitment to serving the customer. Brandon will also discuss how he maintains a balance between work and being there for his growing family.

Guest: Brandon Cruise

Brandon Cruise is a believer in Jesus Christ, Husband to Laura Cruise and Father to Harbor, Maddox, Colly and Koda Cruise. He lives in Marysville, Ohio (Go Bucks!) where he and his Parents (Sandy and Clancy Cruise) own and operate two Biggby Coffee drive through locations. They have lived in Marysville since 2002 and opened their first Biggby in 2020. Brandon also works for the Area Representative Group “Grow B Ohio” which is a collective of business professionals opening and operating Biggby Coffee stores. This group hopes to open over 100 Biggby locations in the greater Columbus Area.

Host: Michael Bowers, CBA – Director, Ohio SBDC at Columbus State Community College

Michael Bowers is a Business Advisor and Director for the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Columbus State Community College. The primary focus of the SBDC is to support prospective and existing entrepreneurs as they seek to start and grow businesses in Central Ohio.

Michael holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Finance from the University of North Alabama and a Master’s in Public Administration from The Ohio State University. Michael is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Public Administration from Liberty University.

Michael has worked with entrepreneurs and small business owners for over 30 years, 20 of which have been in Columbus leading the SBDC. He has a diverse business skill set with experience in banking, private equity, strategic planning, leadership, and public sector management.

Michael is the lead instructor for the Basis of A Successful Enterprise (B.A.S.E) business startup training, as well as the host of the Small Business Breakthroughs YouTube series.