Jonathan Rogers, a member of Omega Espresso Bar’s Board of Directors, shares about using his business coaching acumen to bring strategy and form to OEB’s vision.
Editor’s Note: This article is the third in a series written by the members of Omega Espresso Bar’s Board of Directors. Each one will be answering questions or sharing why he or she is committed to playing a vital role in Omega’s story as it unfolds.
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OEB: How did you get involved with Omega Espresso Bar?
Jonathan: My wife and I were attending a new church one Sunday and bumped into some old friends we hadn’t seen for years – Rod and Susie Cottis. One of the themes in the service that day had been the missional communities and how small groups of people were meeting and working together to impact the world in different ways.
I asked them what their ‘mission’ was and they told us about the vision that their friend Janna had to open a coffee shop that would only employ women who were coming out of difficult circumstances and who would otherwise not easily find work. It immediately struck me as a brilliant idea. I had been looking for a local ministry to serve in, so I was in!
OEB: What particular contribution do you bring to the Board?
Jonathan: I think one of the roles I play is to take the incredible vision God has given Janna and help put shape to the strategic plan to get there. I have quite a bit of planning experience in business and also serve on a Board for a wonderful ministry in Honduras that works with former street kids.
As a business and life coach I help individuals and teams execute on their visions, plans and goals. Since OEB is just getting started there’s a lot to learn from others’ success, so I try to bring that to the conversation and decisions that are made.
OEB: Why do you think the mission for OEB is so important?
Jonathan: I have learned that there is a huge need in the Portland area for women who are really trying to be intentional about their lives and get onto a positive track. They come out of different programs not fully equipped to land the good, sustainable jobs they need.
OEB offers an incredible opportunity to give these women a unique life-transforming experience. I’m just excited to play a tiny part in enabling that to happen and love seeing God work mightily through Omega Espresso Bar!