Entrepreneur shares journey of building beloved coffee shop

Ray Peck, founder of Windhorse Coffee and Tea, shared his inspiring journey of entrepreneurship during a recent community meeting. Peck, who transitioned from a 20-year career in temporary staffing in Vancouver, Washington, to the coffee business, recounted the challenges he faced after selling his staffing company. Standing at a crossroads, he found himself uncertain about his next steps until he encountered a budding coffee chain in Seattle, where he honed his skills in crafting café lattes.

After returning to Portland, Peck and his wife decided to open their own coffee shop, despite having little knowledge of the Milwaukee area. Their first establishment, The Coffee Resort, thrived for eight years before lease issues prompted them to seek a more prominent location. This led to the creation of Windhorse Coffee, which has now been a staple in the community for 27 years.

The name \"Windhorse\" is inspired by Native American culture, symbolizing the spirit of the horse, a concept that resonated with Peck's wife during her studies. Peck emphasized the importance of creating an inviting atmosphere where customers leave feeling uplifted. He expressed his passion for community engagement, likening his business to solving a puzzle—constantly seeking the missing pieces that enhance not only his shop but also the lives of his employees and customers.

With a team of ten, Peck is dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation in his coffee offerings, always on the lookout for new products that will delight patrons. His commitment to employee development further underscores his belief in the interconnectedness of business and community.