A Brewing Business

HOLY GROUNDS BUILDS COMMUNITY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

Since opening in early 2022, Holy Grounds has been Cardinal Gibbon’s go-to spot for coffee and tea, healthy snacks, and conversations with friends and classmates. But behind the counter, the student-run business venture is so much more.

Sponsored by iCube (Innovative Crusaders Understanding Business and Entrepreneurship) and Jim Baker, former Gibbons parent and business owner, Holy Grounds was established to provide the Gibbons community with healthier food and beverage options – and to give students an experiential business learning opportunity.

“We piloted the concept in several ways over the years, but with support from our head of school, we opened Holy Grounds last spring,” said iCube moderator Brent Nolan ’05. “The shop initially began serving customers every other morning, but before long, it became a staple of the Gibbons community – with hours of operation every morning and afternoon.”

Staffed with a student leadership team and a cohort of nearly 150 student volunteers working shifts this semester, Holy Grounds is truly a student-run endeavor. From making beverages and fulfilling snack orders to doing finances, inventory, and interviews, Gibbons students work together to make the business operations run smoothly.

“Our students really own it, and that’s why I believe it’s been such a hit,” said Nolan. “They’ve done an incredible job identifying what their target customers want and working hard to provide a personalized service for them.”

Senior Hailey Juhasz ‘23, a Holy Grounds leadership team member, joined the shop last fall after learning about the opportunity in a business management elective course. In addition to interacting with fellow students, her role in supporting the shop’s marketing efforts has allowed her to learn about the many aspects of running a small business.

“We’re responsible for opening and closing every day, which means that the staff has to practice time management by showing up on time and being prepared to work a scheduled shift,” she said. “We develop an understanding of customer service by communicating with a positive attitude and friendly demeanor.”

The staff is also responsible for taking inventory and keeping track of needed supplies.

“Holy Grounds has provided me with a better understanding of the skills necessary to run a successful business, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it,” Juhasz said.

Junior Rebecca Berry ‘24, the Holy Grounds CEO, started as a barista at the shop last year.

“This year, I’ve moved into a leadership position –brainstorming new ideas to improve the shop and managing volunteers – which has required me to dive deeper into what running a business means,” Berry said.

Berry said that stepping into her new role has helped her grow as a student and leader – and she’s certain these experiences will benefit her in the years ahead.

“Holy Grounds provides students with a business learning opportunity and a unique environment to meet new people and grow from your experiences,” she said. “I am confident the shop has played a big part in how I am today and how I will act in future jobs, relationships, and other leadership roles.

“The lessons I’ve learned through working with customers and my team will, without a doubt, continue to help me in life.”

And, to Nolan, that’s the point.

“My favorite thing about the shop is that nearly 100 transactions occur per day, which means there are a lot of student-to-student interactions,” he says. “This allows both parties to practice communication, gratitude, relationship building, and much more.”