By: John Glover (MBA)

For over half a century, the Lisi family business, Espresso Mio, has stood at the forefront of the coffee service industry, driven by a commitment to innovation, quality, and community. Founded by Carlo Lisi, a pioneer in commercial coffee equipment mechanics, the company has evolved from a modest garage-based operation to a thriving enterprise. Today, under the leadership of second-generation owner Vinnie Lisi, Espresso Mio continues to build on its legacy of excellence.

Founding and Early Development

The story of Espresso Mio began in New Jersey with Carlo Lisi, one of the first master mechanics specializing in commercial coffee equipment. His technical expertise and passion for delivering superior service laid the foundation for the business. Balancing family life with growing the company, Carlo focused on providing quality service in the coffee industry.

In 2019, Vinnie Lisi joined the family business, bringing a fresh perspective and a desire to elevate operational standards. As a Union glazier, he began to service Dunkin’ espresso equipment early in his career as a side hustle. Very early on, significant gaps in the industry were revealed, particularly around maintenance quality and customer support. This experience has been invaluable in shaping Espresso Mio’s strategy.

Strategic Growth and Operational Innovation

Vinnie Lisi outlined a multi-phased growth strategy for Espresso Mio. “Phase one of our growth strategy involved developing strong relationships with key customers, emphasizing service efficiency and transparency,” Vinnie adds. Espresso Mio has instilled trust and created long-term partnerships by prioritizing client education on their operations. Offering warranty service as a cost-saving measure further deepened these relationships and enhanced the company’s cash flow.

Phase two of their growth plan involved expanding their technician team to manage a growing client base. With a broader service network, Espresso Mio was able to foster new partnerships and increase sales volume. Currently, the company is in phase three—system optimization. This phase focuses on investing heavily in technology, integrating a robust CRM, and leveraging AI-driven automation to ensure streamlined operations and consistent, high-quality service. This ongoing process underscores their focus on delivering quality customer experience.

A Commitment to Excellence

Espresso Mio’s unwavering commitment to quality has been a critical driver of their success. A recent milestone was the acquisition of the superautomatic coffee machine distributorship for Thermoplan, a leading Swiss manufacturer. They secured the territory covering the Boston-to-Washington D.C. corridor, positioning them as a key player in the market for premium coffee equipment. “This acquisition not only strengthens our product offering but also aligns with our long-term growth strategy,” Vinnie explains.

Community and Industry Engagement

Collaboration, not competition, has been a central cornerstone of Espresso Mio’s business philosophy. The company’s state-of-the-art warehouse serves as a training hub for both manufacturers and clients and a space for industry events such as tastings and workshops. Espresso Mio fosters a collaborative environment that benefits the entire industry by opening its doors to other coffee companies.

Vision and Purpose

A quote that Vinnie lives by every single day, relevant to both his personal and business life, is: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet still believe.” This passage from the Bible resonates deeply with him because the greatest things in life are not seen but felt, rooted in true faith.

“In business, having a clear vision is essential. Without it, you cannot take the relentless, intentional steps needed to achieve your goals. Scaling a business, breaking barriers, and raising the bar in an industry requires immense behind-the-scenes work. The grueling, unseen, and intentional efforts in the backend allow the customer-facing front end to prosper. When people see a company start from a one-man show in a garage to $2 million, to $10 million, to $100 million, they only see the polished, front-facing product. They don’t see the trenches that were occupied, working tirelessly without immediate reward or recognition, driven by the pursuit of something greater than themselves,” Vinnie says.

Behind the scenes in the pursuit of success is someone who has failed over and over again but made sure to always fall forward. The true purpose of growing and scaling a business, according to Vinnie, is about cultivating the ability to serve others in ways that are not possible without the capabilities, connections, and financial resources that a business can provide. The pursuit of business growth is always about providing a service that helps other businesses thrive with ease while also fostering the growth and success of employees. Ultimately, it’s about giving opportunities to others who might not have them otherwise.

Espresso Mio’s journey reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence and a customer-centric approach. With a focus on sustainable growth and continuous innovation, the Lisi family’s commitment to quality and community will undoubtedly drive their success for years to come.  Learn more at https://EspressoMio.co.

Published by: Holy Minoza