From Idea to Impact: Becoming a values-led business owner with Sam of 'Little Guy Coffee and Bagel House'
Our second episode of Između features Sam Kelsen, co-owner of 'Little Guy' in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Sam opens up about his unexpected journey from university music student to small business owner, reflecting on the courage it took to start, the discipline needed to keep going, and the importance of staying present rather than constantly chasing the next milestone.
He shares the reality behind running a small hospitality business: the pressure, the learning curve, and the importance of creating a happy workplace.
Amy and Sam dive into the realities of hospitality, why culture matters more than hierarchy, and how a people-first approach can transform the workplace (and the positive impact this can have on the community).
Rather than focusing on the glamorised idea of what business should look like, this conversation leans into the honest, human side of growth — staying grounded, living by your values, and creating something you’re proud to stand behind.
In this episode we discuss:
(00:00) From music student to small business owner: Sam’s evolving definition of success
(02:00) Sam’s move to the Mount with $30 to his name, a broken Honda — and an unexpected reset
(06:15) Working in the very café he would later co-own: the full-circle moment
(10:00) The origin story: a conversation at the Mount hot pools
(14:20) Taking the leap into hospitality with passion (not perfection)
(18:00) The values behind Little Guy — and building a culture him and his co-owner, Will, are proud of
(24:45) Creating a people-first workplace in a high-pressure industry
(32:00) Hospitality as the “third space” and why the small interactions really matter
(42:00) Emotional intelligence, code-switching and reading people
(58:00) The misconceptions of running a small business (and the real workload)
(1:05:30) Sacrificing old ideals of happiness and redefining fulfilment
(1:12:00) Fear of failure, high standards and avoiding a complacent life
(1:20:00) Alignment, self-esteem and “Would you go for a beer with yourself?”
(1:25:25) Sam’s advice: Don’t wait for perfect timing — start, persist, become
“Are you living with integrity? Are you an honest person? We're not perfect. None of us are perfect. But if you are living up to the version of yourself that you are telling the world that you are…no one can take that away from you.”
Guest: Sam – co-owner of Little Guy
Connect with Little Guy
Instagram: @littleguy.3116
Disclaimer:
This podcast is a personal, non-monetised project created during the hosts’ travels in New Zealand. It is not connected to any paid work or business activity, and no income is earned from its production.
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