·S1 E17
Brewing Hope: Social Enterprise and Ownership the Homeboy Way with Mike de la Rocha and Jose Arellano (Owners of Tepito Coffee)
Episode Description
How do you build a business that puts healing, culture, and opportunity first while still making a profit? In this episode of The Homeboy Way, Tom Vozzo sits down with Tepito Coffee co-owners Jose Arellano, Vice President of Operations at Homeboy Industries, and Mike de la Rocha, co-founder of Revolve Impact, to discuss social enterprises, specifically the challenges and successes of running Tepito Coffee. They delve into the significance of providing purposeful structure for those leaving gang life and the pivotal role of social enterprises in creating job opportunities. Tom recounts the creation of the Homeboy Ventures and Jobs Fund, a crucial step in supporting these enterprises. Mike and Jose share their journey from initial struggles, receiving investment, to finding success while staying true to their mission. Through personal stories and lessons learned, they highlight the importance of intentionality, community support, and the transformative power of giving back.
Key Takeaways
Mission Meets Market Reality
Running a for-profit social enterprise requires tough accountability alongside unwavering support. It's the "next level" after Homeboy's safety net preparing people for the real workforce.
Access to Capital Changes Everything
Predatory loans and exclusionary investors nearly ended the business. Homeboy's low-interest investment provided not just funds, but expertise and belief in modest, impactful returns.
Homegrown Leadership Is Possible
From trainee to VP to co-owner: Jose's journey shows what's achievable when organizations invest in internal talent, inspiring others to dream of ownership.
Trauma-Informed Business Takes Patience
Hiring system-impacted staff means embracing setbacks, offering dignity in tough conversations, and always leaving the door open for return.
Cultural Pride Drives Success
Unapologetically Chicano and Indigenous branding, combined with specialty quality and authentic storytelling, builds loyal community and disrupts who gets to succeed in coffee.
In This Episode:
00:00 – Introduction
01:15 – Tom's journey with Homeboy
05:28 – The birth of Tepito Coffee
15:29 – The struggle for investment and support
21:56 – Building a brand with purpose
23:56 – The spirit of Homeboy: connecting to the earth and each other
24:41 – Training with intentionality: customer service at Tepito Coffee
25:18 – Marketing with pride: embracing Chicano and Indigenous roots
25:45 – Investing in community: long-term returns beyond capitalism
26:23 – Success stories: from barista to business owner
28:48 – Balancing accountability and compassion
41:13 – Future growth: expanding Tepito Coffee's impact
Notable Quotes
“ If you have a good product and an authentic story and be unapologetically yourself, you can create a good brand identity and community.” — Mike [06:25]
“ I've always been clear studying Homeboy Industries, that the future is in social entrepreneurship.”— Mike [07:51]
“ First, you gotta know how to run a business. Then you can decide how to make it a social enterprise.” — Tom [19:15]
“ I felt not just rescued by Homeboy, but actually like I felt swooped up by God.” — Jose [38:03]
Resources and Links
Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Media
Tepito Coffee
Visit: 695 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA
Online: https://www.tepitocoffee.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tepitocoffee/
Mike de la Rocha
Jose Arellano
Thomas Vozzo
The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Homeboy-Way-Radical-Approach-Business/dp/082945456X
Credits:
Hosted by: Tom Vozzo
Produced by: Podify, and Alexa Rousso and Melody Carter of Homeboy Media