Lessons in Entrepreneurship from Brian Hicks
I connected this fall with Brian Hicks, co-founder of Harvest Hands and Humphreys Street Coffee Company. Brian’s journey from buying an abandoned crack house in South Nashville to building a multi-million dollar social enterprise is a powerful example of community-focused entrepreneurship. His story highlights the power of unique skills, resilience, and partnership in driving meaningful, lasting change.
From Vision to Reality: A Community-Centered Business
In 2007, Brian and his wife, Courtney, bought a condemned building that had been a hub for drugs and crime. With the community's support, they tore down the structure and replaced it with a vision—Harvest Hands, an after-school program that would give local kids safe, constructive activities. As they connected with the neighborhood, they found a growing need for job opportunities for teens. This led to the launch of Humphreys Street Coffee Company, a social enterprise that employs local youth, teaching them skills in coffee roasting, customer service, and operations.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
1. Start with Unique Value: Brian attributes part of their success to learning a unique, specialized skill—coffee roasting. This differentiated Humphreys Street from other local coffee shops, making them a sought-after supplier for Nashville’s emerging specialty coffee scene. His advice for entrepreneurs is to invest time in developing a unique skill set, rather than rushing into popular markets with little differentiation.
2. Work Alongside the Community: One of Brian’s key beliefs is that community leaders have the best solutions for their neighborhoods. By listening to local needs, Harvest Hands began with a simple after-school program and evolved organically to provide jobs, mentoring, and life skills that resonate deeply with residents. This grounded approach builds trust and creates impact that is owned by the community.
3. Harness the Power of Partnerships: From his early connection with Brentwood Methodist Church to collaborations with businesses like Bridgestone Arena, Brian’s journey shows the value of strategic partnerships. For those in the nonprofit sector, partnering with mission-aligned businesses can provide both stability and growth opportunities. Humphreys Street Coffee now sells its products in graduate hotels across the Southeast, a collaboration made possible by a local business leader’s support.
4. Grow with the Neighborhood: As the original South Nashville neighborhood underwent gentrification, Brian didn’t view this as a setback but as a chance to expand impact. Harvest Hands has since opened after-school programs in multiple locations, including one in a Napier neighborhood with 700 youth. Brian’s approach to change—using neighborhood growth to create opportunity—is a lesson for any entrepreneur navigating a shifting market.
5. Business for Social Good: Brian emphasizes the importance of financial sustainability in mission-driven organizations. By developing a profitable coffee business, he’s created a self-sustaining model that has reduced reliance on outside donations. This business-savvy approach has transformed Harvest Hands from a church-supported ministry to an organization that generates over $1 million in annual coffee sales.
Building a Legacy of Empowerment
Today, former students of Harvest Hands lead many of its programs and business operations. By fostering leadership within the community, Brian has built a lasting legacy that will continue to serve South Nashville’s youth for generations. His story reminds us that entrepreneurship isn’t just about financial success; it’s about creating opportunities, empowering others, and making a difference.
Final Takeaways
Brian’s journey is an inspiring reminder that entrepreneurial impact doesn’t require a tech startup or venture capital. Instead, it begins with recognizing a community need, investing in unique skills, and working alongside others to bring a shared vision to life. For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a difference, Brian’s advice is clear: develop a skill that sets you apart, build strong partnerships, and always keep the community at the heart of your mission.
To learn more about Brian’s work and support the next generation of Nashville’s young leaders, visit Harvest Hands or stop by Humphreys Street Coffee Company for a cup of coffee with a purpose.
