In Avon, South Dakota, the newly opened Made Coffee is more than just a coffee shop; it is a community hub designed to bring people together. Founded by Reese Powers, the shop officially opened its doors on September 29, 2023, coinciding with National Coffee Day. Powers, who does not personally drink coffee, has created a place that reflects her commitment to building connections within her hometown.
The inspiration for Made Coffee came from Powers’ friendship with Kaci Machino, who owns The Open Gate Coffee House in Spencer, Nebraska. Their bond, formed over shared interests in entrepreneurship and small-town life, motivated Powers to pursue her own coffee venture. While studying business management and entrepreneurship at Mitchell Technical College, Powers developed a comprehensive business plan that ultimately became the foundation for her shop.
Building the Business from the Ground Up
The journey to opening Made Coffee involved significant effort and collaboration. Powers, alongside her parents, Dennis and April, secured property along the highway and undertook the demolition of an old insurance building. Working with M&M Construction from Tripp, they transformed the location into the café it is today. Despite facing weather delays and issues with supply orders during construction, Powers remained optimistic.
Reflecting on the challenges, Powers stated, “There were many challenges, but I could not be more happy with how everything turned out. I learned what patience really means.”
Powers immersed herself in the coffee industry, even though tea is her preferred beverage. She sourced beans from the Normal Roasting Company in Burwell, Nebraska, dedicating a day to learning about coffee roasting and preparation. Today, Made Coffee offers a diverse menu, including coffee, chai tea, smoothies, and energy drinks, along with house-made pastries like muffins and caramel rolls. A standout item, the pumpkin spice latte made from in-house syrup, has gained popularity, prompting Powers to consider offering it year-round.
A Mission Rooted in Faith
The name Made Coffee stems from Powers’ faith, inspired by the verse from Psalms 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” This verse shapes her approach to the business, driving her to ensure that every drink and menu item is crafted with intention. She emphasizes the importance of making customers feel valued and appreciated, stating, “How you make people feel is more important than what you sell.”
Balancing her role as a business owner with responsibilities as an office manager at West Section Auction, president of the Avon Chamber of Commerce, and a volunteer firefighter, Powers has quickly adapted to the demands of small-town entrepreneurship. She acknowledges that owning a small business requires versatility, involving roles such as owner, janitor, bookkeeper, and marketer.
Powers noted, “Work-life balance is tough, but resilience grows. Every mistake becomes a lesson.” Despite the hurdles, the rewards of her venture are evident in the relationships she builds with customers, from greeting familiar faces to welcoming newcomers.
Ultimately, Powers hopes that Made Coffee will inspire others to invest in their communities. She believes that success in small towns develops slowly, one relationship at a time. “Learn names, listen to people, and show up for them. If you love what you do, people will feel it—and they’ll show up for you, too,” she said.
Through her efforts, Reese Powers is not only serving coffee but also fostering a sense of belonging and purpose in Avon, illustrating the profound impact a dedicated small business can have.
