Business Lessons from a 72 year-old Guatemalan Coffee Farmer 🍵

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Hello again from Guatemala!

You might be wondering…

What does the local coffee trade have to do with us building online businesses and lives that we love?

There are more lessons we can learn from this legendary coffee farmer than you’d think… that every entrepreneur should hear.

In the shadow of Volcán de Agua, next to a new expat-gated community, we met the figure of a badass Guatemalan farmer—Don Filiberto.

Armed with a machete and protected from the sun’s rays by his cowboy hat, we were ready to head up the volcano to his farm and learn what this was all about.

So what did we learn (aside from the fact that he’s a legend and makes really good coffee?) and more importantly…

What can you take from his teachings?

Innovative Adaptation:

Señor Fili earns the same low rates for his beans when selling to commercial buyers that he’s earned since he got started in the business 2+ decades ago…

So instead, he’s integrated eco-tourism into his farming business, flexing the power of innovative thinking—earning him 7x more per pound of coffee beans.

For him, it’s been about finding new ways to leverage existing resources, a strategy every business owner can apply to stay relevant and competitive.

Embracing Change:

Faced with climate challenges (delayed rains — their only natural irrigation system) and environmental shifts (a new gated community next door sucking up all the ground water), Don Fili has maintained his farm’s productivity by embracing change rather than resisting it, tapping into new creative approaches he’d not had to resort to in the past.

We all know that this mindset is crucial for any business navigating today’s rapidly evolving markets, but how we take action on it is what makes the biggest difference.

Resilience in Action:

As we reflect on Don Fili’s dedication and ingenuity, consider how your business can better adapt to the uncontrollable elements it faces.

Are there new markets to explore, or perhaps, more sustainable practices that could safeguard your future?

Filiberto’s commitment to his craft amidst adversity can be a reminder for us in our businesses, and in our lives.

It shows that with resilience, innovation, and adaptability, we can turn challenges into opportunities.

In business (and as I’ve mentioned many times about the nomadic lifestyle too), being adaptable to external changes can define your success.

Ask Yourself…
How will I define and create my success?

In the business world, even the sharpest minds can be caught off guard by its ups and downs. This article shares five simple yet powerful tips for staying steady amidst uncertainty.

After giving it a read, here’s a reflection question for you to dive deeper.

How can resilience, innovation, and adaptability be leveraged to turn adversities into opportunities in business and life?

Curious about how I tackle uncertainty in my business? 
Explore my strategies and insights here.

Have a great week ahead, friends!
Trevor “Inspired to grow coffee” Davis

P.S. Rainy season has finally started in Guatemala, luckily! While it puts a damper on our weekend explorations… I’m glad that the farmers will be able to save their crops and livelihoods!