What I’ve learned from 20 Cups of Coffee in just two months.

Renovated space in the Bellin Building - Cup of Coffee With Steven Schneider on July 11, 2025 which included a historic walking tour.

It’s amazing how a single cup of coffee can invigorate a person—not just from the caffeine, but through the conversation. These past two months have been full of new connections, rekindled relationships, emotional talks, and even chances to share the community project I’m working on (The Barnyard Estates). These face-to-face chats have helped grow our business, opened up opportunities, and tugged at my heart in ways I didn’t expect.

I feel good about these coffee conversations—not just because they’re helping me, but because I truly feel like I’m helping others too.

Getting out of the office has been a shift for me. Since my son Brandon experienced a horrific bonfire accident in October 2022, leaving him with second- and third-degree burns over 40% of his body, life hasn’t looked the same. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions—ups and downs, healing and heartbreak. I shut down for a while, and I think I needed that. But somewhere deep down, I also knew I was missing something. These conversations—these cups of coffee—have helped fill that void. They’re filling my soul. And I believe they’re touching others in the same way.

The only "process" is reaching out and setting up the meet-up. Then we sit down over a cup of coffee, and magic seems to happen. I’ve been surprised by how many people have responded—some messaging me on Facebook and LinkedIn to recommend others I should connect with. The energy is contagious.

I’m making an intentional effort to stay present, to really listen. I always bring my notebook to jot down anything that stands out—names, ideas, connections. I love asking people what they’ve been up to. I want to know what keeps them up at night. These conversations aren’t small talk—they’re meaningful. And I’m always looking for ways I can help, or how they might be able to help me. There’s beauty in mutual support.

What I’ve learned so far is that every single cup of coffee is different. If you know me, you know I’m not big on routines. I like new. I like different. I get bored easily. These conversations? They’re anything but boring. They’re diverse, rich, and unexpected. Even though it’s “just” a cup of coffee—it’s fulfilling.

And I’m learning. A lot. I’ve always considered myself a lifelong learner, and this journey reaffirms that. I always say: if you can learn even just one thing from a book, a conversation, or an experience—it’s worth it.

For example, when I spoke with Mark Cumicek, I learned that his dad was the first person to give me a bank loan. I learned how Lennie Shefchik, founder of PTI Transport, aligned with the right people at the right times to create success—though not without challenges and tragedy. I believe in divine alignment, and hearing his story affirmed that even more.

When I met with Diane Roundy, we talked about the challenges in her industry. The “talent pool,” she said, keeps her up at night in her executive search work. It’s not just about finding good people—it’s about getting the right people in the right seat on the bus.

With Steve Schneider, I referenced a full pot of coffee instead of a cup of coffee. Why? Because not only was I inspired by the stories and connections, what I also received with Steve was a walking history tour of the Bellin Building and the historic Vic Theater. The photo on this blog shows one of the rooms that Steve renovated in the Bellin Building.

And then there’s Beth from Let’s Run Around—who reminded me how a single idea, rooted in your own life experience, can become a business or a product that helps others. After all, everything that exists today started as just a thought.

This 100 Cups of Coffee movement—this experience—isn’t just helping me. It’s helping everyone I meet along the way. And if you don’t end up sitting down for a cup with me in person, don’t worry—you’ll still be part of this through the book I write after my 100th cup.

But I don’t think I’ll stop there.

I’m not entirely sure what the future holds for Dynamic Tammy, but if you walk alongside me on this journey, I promise we’ll both discover something meaningful. And maybe I’ll even inspire you along the way.

Here’s to the next 80 cups of coffee.
Thank you for being here.