SUMMARY:

In this candid and practical episode, Aaron and Ben tackle one of the most underestimated profit drains in the coffee business: shrink. Whether it's untracked employee perks, casual waste, or outright theft, many operators are unknowingly letting thousands of dollars slip through the cracks. The duo discusses how even small, rationalized actions—like grabbing a Red Bull or giving away a drink—can snowball into massive losses across multiple locations. They share real-life examples, easy-to-implement inventory tracking strategies, and ways to turn losses into measurable wins. If you're a coffee shop owner looking to tighten operations and increase margins without more traffic or marketing spend, this is a must-listen.

Minute by Mintue:

00:00 – Introduction

03:00 – "It's Just a Red Bull" — Rationalizing Theft

06:00 – How Small Acts Create Massive Profit Losses

08:00 – The Real Cost of "Free" Employee Perks

10:00 – What Inventory Systems Can Save You Overnight

12:00 – Waste vs. Theft: Tracking Both Matters

15:00 – Educating Young Staff About Financial Impact

16:10 – Outsider U: Weekly Video Training for Teams

18:00 – Quick Wins: How to Instantly Improve Profitability

21:00 – A Simple 3-Step Plan to Reduce Shrink

22:10 – Leading With Accountability & Clear Policy

23:00 – A Client Story: Shrink Dropped from 5% to 0.3%

24:00 – Closing Thoughts: Is Your Profit Walking Out?