In this episode, we explore Esteamed Coffee, a unique coffee shop in Cary situated in a quaint 1940s cottage on Academy Street. Known for its mission to provide meaningful employment and social opportunities to adults with intellectual, developmental, and visual disabilities, the shop has become an integral part of the community. The host interviews Executive Director Julie Walker, discussing the shop's origins, its evolution since 2020, and the impactful lives of its employees. They also touch upon future expansion plans and community involvement opportunities. Julie shares inspiring stories of employee success and the invaluable support they receive from the local community.

00:00 Introduction to Esteamed Coffee
01:22 Meet Julie Walker, Executive Director
01:47 The Mission and Founding Story
03:45 Julie Walker's Journey to Esteemed
04:32 Day-to-Day Operations and Responsibilities
05:49 Hiring Process and Employee Retention
08:21 Employee Success Stories
09:57 Molly Minnick and the Elevate Program
21:25 Future Plans and Expansion
24:32 How to Get Involved and Volunteer
26:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts