Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Gullickson
Tara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After losing my job in 2022, I was reminded of my gratitude and thus began the journey of what is now Jo’s Coffee Truck. I was blessed to have the amazing support of my family behind me throughout this journey. Therefore, I could put my drive and passionate mind to work on what I was being called to do with my time and energy, evolve my practice with holistic kitchen magic, and form a deeper connection with nature and other kindred spirits within the community. As my family listened to my endless ideas, we finally decided a coffee truck would be a great starting point. As we got to work on the buildout, I started seeing my vision come to life, and it was nothing short of amazing. There were moments of disappointment, tears, and laughter, but most importantly, memories were created that made the experience that much more special. While we were busy piecing the truck together and navigating the licensing and government processes, I started heavily researching everything about running a coffee truck and soon found myself networking with many talented local vendors and artists, some later became mentors and friends. I had never been a barista before and wondered where I was going with all of this during the buildout. Regardless of my intrusive thoughts, I kept getting signs from the Universe to continue down the path I found myself on – blind faith, I guess you would call it. I am so fortunate to have listened to my intuition, as I have learned that this is the start of my intended purpose – I love what I do for a living and enjoy dreaming of the future of what’s yet to come. Life is wild; you never know what tomorrow, next year, or 40 years from now could bring. It’s important to keep an open mind.
The first four months open, we were located in Oronoco right off Highway 52, due to a minor setback in acquiring a state-level license, we were licensed in Olmsted County. In the end, it all worked out. I made many remarkable friendships during my stay in the area. I was able to build quite a following in a short while, simply from word of mouth regarding the quality of my products served and the variety of house-made simple syrup options we offer. I am forever indebted to the ladies at Oronoco Online Auctions for believing in me and letting me settle in on a little piece of their paradise during my first few months, where I learned to hone my craft and build my skill set as a barista. The ladies at the auction house were gracious hosts and appreciated having the truck outside their door during a hot, dry summer. Jo’s Coffee Truck has attended several well-organized events since we opened our window to the world, including the historical, nationally known antique show, Oronoco Gold Rush, in August of 2023. That year we often partnered with a popular boutique (Sistique Boutique), a charming campground (Hidden Meadows), and a picturesque floral farm (Bleedheart Floral Farm & Design) in the area as a ‘pop-up’ vendor. As we learn the ups and downs of the business, we make sure to have fun with each opportunity offered to us. After a very successful few months in Oronoco, we saved enough money for the required upgrades and were quickly approved for our state-level license. We made the crazy decision to attempt to stay open the entire 2023-2024 winter due to the seasonably warm weather we were expected to have. We were fortunate to have the support of our amazing friends at BP Station in Mazeppa, as they offered us a permanent location for this to all be made possible – and what an experience it was! We had great support from much of the community, but what was missing was a downtown area that we could grow with. After many long conversations back and forth, we decided to try a larger city with access to a growing downtown. We have since closed our window TEMPORARILY in October of 2024 for the rest of the year as we learned to winterize the truck for the first time and store it as the temps drop for the winter season and plan for our 2025 season. I don’t know where I am headed on this highway we call life, but I know that I have found my true calling and look forward to the future of Jo’s Coffee Truck.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting my own independent business has been an exhilarating and worthwhile experience. I am working on finding a healthy work-life balance for my family as I grow my business organically and learn to appreciate a different way of life. Being a mother and fiancé on top of sustaining a small business has its pros and cons, but I would say, as a whole, I am extremely appreciative of how things have gone so far. The coffee truck has taken us on many unique adventures – I think, in a way, it has breathed new life into us. After losing my fiance’s sister to domestic violence in 2021 and then losing my job in 2022, we were feeling pretty deflated as a family. I quickly got to work by navigating state food safety laws and building regulations, taking courses to become food management certified, meeting vendors and deciding which products to use, learning to steam milk manually, building and perfecting drinks, marketing my business, and keeping track of inventory and waste among other things. I learned so much valuable knowledge, and I find it truly remarkable when I reflect on all we have accomplished – it makes me feel proud regardless of the struggles.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our simple syrups and sauces are house-made in small batches using wholesome ingredients and no artificial additives. We utilize local ingredients when available as we believe in supporting local. We offer products from many local Artisans in the area and are honored to know and work with such talented individuals; we look forward to meeting many more! We are known for having a one-of-a-kind coffee bean – locally roasted in Kasson, MN, by our friends at Trailcreek Coffee Roasters. We take pride in our attention to detail, unique flavor choices, and manual processes to make the perfect cup of Jo to offer our beloved customers.
The meaning behind the name Jo’s Coffee Truck is a play on the common name ‘Joe,’ meaning coffee. We dropped the ‘E’ to make the feminine version of the name stand out as we are a woman-owned business. Also, in honor of my fiancé’s sister, who tragically passed away at the age of 38 in January of 2021 from domestic violence. Jolene was known to many as Jo, and this is how we are called to honor her beautiful life.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
We are excited to announce our future partnership with Island Market in Pine Island, Minnesota, for the 2025 season. We look forward to getting to know and serving the people of this diverse and, growing community, cultivating beautiful relationships with other business owners in the area, and adding value to this thriving community.
My favorite part about the coffee truck is the people. I have met many inspiring individuals who have touched me in various ways. I have personally shared some magical moments, including being a bride-to-be’s coffee stop before making big decisions for her and her groom-to-be’s beautiful day and many colorful conversations with customers since we opened on May 31, 2023.
We have been honored to be included in many community and personal events: we have taken part in a beautiful bride’s wedding day, a touching suicide awareness event at an adorable little Pumpkin Patch in Oak Center, vendor shows, open houses, and Fall-Ball held annually at Camp Victory in Mazeppa.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joscoffeetruck
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joscoffeetruck
