What do you think is the most important aspect of running a business? Funds, structure, or marketing are things you might’ve thought but the answer from the owner of the local coffee shop “The Well”, David, is that the most important thing is relationships.

Mr. David states, “We need to build a Stockton that flourishes because we have a strong community” further elaborating, “Everything stems from relationships which is why we at The Well focus on building our community.”

David’s passion is clear as he states, “Everything I’ve learned the hard way during my time as a business owner would become something my collaborators already know from the start.” 

“My ceiling would become their floor.” he explains, “And in my experience, when they climb higher than I ever could have, they pull me up with them; It comes full circle.” 

This philosophy is reflected in the business, as The Well at, 1200 N Center St, Stockton, CA 95202, was created by a non-profit organization called, Restore Stockton that, “…Focuses on mentoring and vocational training of youth and young adults” according to The Well’s website here .

David has expressed, “A healthy relationship is made up of humility, vulnerability, and trust” and then stated, “The best relationships have endured conflict and built trust by being real with each other.”

David shares more insight on how The Well implements the values he speaks so highly of, “We source our coffee through relationships. Our growers, producers, importers– all of them are sourced through relationships we have made.”

“We want to know that our collaborators are as passionate and like-minded as we are.” He expresses, “A source of ours in Papua New Guinea uses 30% of the funds we give them to pay trainers who help Indian tribes with proper sanitation; They’ve been teaching them how to build latrines and properly dispose of waste causing the infant mortality rate to drop by 60%,” he says. 

 “I’m happy to know and be a part of our collaborations helping to create a healthier culture and I will always continue to receive & grow these relationships.”