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From his early days at ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø to launching multiple ventures,Ìý has consistently sought out opportunities to learn, create, and make an impact. His experiences, both in the classroom and in real-world settings like the Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in South Africa (EESA) program, has shaped his approach to business, emphasizing hands-on learning and resilience. Over the years, Peter has transformed ideas into thriving ventures, proving that entrepreneurship is as much about innovation as it is about perseverance and purpose.

At ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø, Peter pursued a dual degree in marketing and management at the Leeds School of Business, where he was introduced to the world of entrepreneurship. His interest in this field led him to explore additional educational opportunities, including the Entrepreneurship Certificate Program. Although Peter was also drawn to the arts and took classes throughout his time at CU, it was the hands-on learning experiences in entrepreneurship that truly resonated with him. One of the most impactful aspects of his education came through the Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in South Africa (EESA) program, which provided him with invaluable real-world experiences. This program took Peter to South Africa, where he was part of a small, culturally diverse team working on solving business problems in a completely different context.

Lessons in Problem-Solving and Adaptation

One of the most significant takeaways from Peter’s time in South Africa was the importance of problem-solving in unfamiliar and resource-challenged environments. The EESA program is structured around the idea of learning by doing: students were tasked with identifying and solving real-world business problems, often in under-resourced or developing markets. Peter's team was tasked with solving complex challenges that required not only entrepreneurial creativity but also cultural sensitivity and teamwork. The program was an eye-opening experience, teaching him that entrepreneurship is not just about finding solutions, but about adapting and thinking on your feet in situations where resources may be scarce.

The small-team aspect of the EESA program was especially important. Peter credits the program for helping him develop key management and teamwork skills that have stayed with him throughout his entrepreneurial career. Working in an international team, where each person brought a different perspective and way of approaching problems, forced Peter to learn how to navigate diverse communication styles and problem-solving approaches. This experience would later prove invaluable as he started his own businesses, where collaborating with people from different backgrounds and with different skill sets would become a regular part of his work. Learning to manage diverse teams and understand varying viewpoints was an essential skill that Peter continues to apply today. The EESA program also reinforced the idea that entrepreneurship is often about identifying a problem and approaching it from every angle, breaking it down into manageable parts and solving it step by step.

Brewing Community and Expanding Opportunity

After graduating in 2014, Peter carried these lessons with him as he ventured into the world of business. He founded a coffee company, Jubilee, entering an industry that was competitive and often under-resourced for small startups. Peter found that entrepreneurship was less about the grand vision and more about the day-to-day challenges that require constant adaptation and perseverance. His time at ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø and the EESA program gave him the confidence to tackle these challenges head-on. He was no longer intimidated by obstacles, knowing that every setback was just another problem to solve.

The idea for Jubilee was born out of Peter's desire to combine his passion for community engagement with his entrepreneurial drive. He wanted to create a unique space in North Aurora, a neighborhood where such community-focused spaces were limited. His vision was clear: to build a coffee shop that could serve as a hub for connection and networking, a place where people could work, meet, or simply find a safe and welcoming environment.

However, as with most entrepreneurial endeavors, challenges arose. Peter recognized that merely relying on foot traffic in a non-traditional location would not be enough to sustain the business. To address this, he expanded his concept beyond just a café, starting a coffee roasting company as well. This move allowed him to distribute his product outside the confines of his physical location, opening the door to broader growth. Jubilee wasn't just a coffee shop; it became a community-driven space that included an artist co-working area, where local creatives could collaborate and grow. This multifaceted approach to the business model helped him build something that was not only sustainable but also impactful in the community.Ìý

From Coffee to Farmers Markets

In addition to his coffee business, Peter and his wife, Margo, launched the City Park Farmers Market in Denver five years ago, which has since become a thriving and essential part of the community. The market, which emphasizes local food producers and growers, fills a significant gap in the Denver market, where farmer-focused markets were previously scarce. The couple’s dedication to creating a space where local food producers could flourish has allowed the City Park Farmers Market to grow year after year. Peter’s deepened passion for supporting local farmers and advocating for better food access in communities has driven this initiative forward. Now, with their move to Lafayette, Peter and Margo are in the process of launching a new farmers market in the area, further cementing their commitment to fostering community connections and promoting local businesses.

Peter describes himself as more of a small business owner in the beginning, focused on operating a local coffee shop. However, as his career progressed and he ventured into multiple business projects, he began to identify more as an entrepreneur. To him, entrepreneurship is about continuously ideating, problem-solving, and taking risks across various ventures. It’s not just about launching one business, but about bringing multiple ideas to life, each contributing to a broader vision of growth, community impact, and resilience. Peter’s story reflects the many faces of entrepreneurship, from small business ownership to innovation and problem-solving in different sectors, all driven by a passion for community and service.