“I wanted to talk to people and enjoy it”

Interview with Maryellen Stadtlander.

Montclair, New Jersey – Wednesday – 8:45am

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I’m not a morning person at all, but I really enjoy how my day turns out after coming back from an early run. One morning, I started noticing this gorgeous van going around, selling coffee. I thought it was an unconventional way to sell this beloved beverage. That’s why I decided to interview the owner of the idea while trying an amazing iced tea:

Was it your purpose to inspire change in your neighbors?

Definitely. I’ve been living here since 1964. I grew up here, and I’ve noticed how it has become a very busy place. I wanted to find a way to talk to people and enjoy it. Part of having a meal or a cup of coffee is sort of communal—you notice how people stand around and have conversations. That’s a big aspect of what I like about doing this.

What was your biggest fear when starting your business?

Running out of money. My overhead was this vehicle; it was financed. So I had to sell enough coffee to pay for the vehicle, my products, and myself. I worried nobody would buy my product, and I’d be stuck with inventory. But I overcame that by working harder. The longer I’m out, the more coffee I sell, and the more feasible my margins become. For instance, right now, I’m going home to brew another 60 cups of coffee and head back out for the afternoon.

Do you feel satisfied with your work and how people react to it?

Definitely! Everybody has a good time; they’re happy. They come here, have something that makes them happy, and that makes me happy.

What do you think about Social Media helping small businesses reach more people?

I’m 100% for it. As a matter of fact, I feel a little guilty because I didn’t post anything on Instagram today. That’s how people find out where I am. So I have to check my Instagram…

Do you have a special way to cope with stress?

This job isn’t that stressful to me. I do get tired—I get up at 4 a.m.—so I take naps. As for stress, since it’s my business, I let a lot of things go. I don’t worry about small problems.

One day, on my way here, I spilled the coffee. It was all over the back of the vehicle. I forgot to put the containers on the floor, and when I drove here, they fell. When I got to my first location, people were already waiting for me. When I opened the door, coffee was all over the floor.

I was stressed, but I immediately thought: “Don’t go home, don’t get upset. Sell what you have.” I had iced coffee in a different container—that didn’t spill. I also had iced tea, and that didn’t spill. Everybody bought iced coffee. I was able to continue. It worked out. I told myself: “There are a lot of problems in the world; all you did was spill coffee. Just let it go!”

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Mary’s Happy Camper – Drinks and Coffee on the Go. You can find her around Montclair, and if you don’t see her, just ask her directly where she is!