Success Story: Meg-A-Latte

Meg-A-Latte – Williston, 2016

Megan Wold is the successful business owner of three Meg-A-Latte Coffee Houses in Williston, ND.

While attending College, Megan managed a coffee shop and spent her time studying in local coffee shops as well. Megan found herself simply enjoying the atmosphere. After college, she missed spending her days doing something she was excited about. With a new chapter in her life of becoming a mother and looking into changing her career path, it popped into Megan’s mind to open her own coffee house. Megan collaborated with her husband, Eddie, on the concept. She was the coffee connoisseur, while her husband assisted with the interior design of the store.  From that moment forward, things began to fall into place. By February 2011, Megan had successfully opened her very own coffee house in Williston.

Megan is someone who believes in putting your whole heart into your business. She is constantly researching and updating her business. Each week, her coffee beans are roasted fresh and shipped directly from Seattle, and her husband’s beautiful artwork (which she credits as vital to her business) creates an upscale place where people can enjoy gathering. The ambiance of the Meg-A-Latte shops is perfect for people of all ages; whether you come in to work, study, read, or visit with friends. The upscale environment is reminiscent of the hip coffee shops found in more urban areas.

When asked what she likes most about being a business owner, the full-hearted owner stated, “I love being a business owner for multiple reasons. I am able to make my own business decisions, I am able to give new opportunities to individuals that work for me, I am able to create friendships with new people every day, and what I like most is that by owning a business it gives ME opportunities to give back to our community through local fundraisers and benefits.”

At her mom’s suggestion, Megan discussed her ideas with Keith Olson, Regional Director of the Williston SBDC. Keith advised Megan and helped her apply for a grant through the Williston STAR Fund Mini-Match program.  As Megan expanded her coffee shop to two more locations in Williston, she was able to get assistance with expanding and gathering essential information on the commercial spaces and demographics in the Harvest Hills area through her local ND SBDC.  On top of these successes, in 2013, Megan received the “Woman Owned Business Entrepreneur of the Year” from the ND SBDC and Williston Economic Development.

Megan says she enjoys managing the businesses and building relationships with her baristas and customers. She employs approximately 30 people. Megan generously gives to causes in the community, such as “Coffee with a Cop,” and provides opportunities for musicians and artists to share their talents each Saturday during “Music in the Morning” at her Harvest Hills location.

While Megan doesn’t anticipate opening a fourth store in Williston at this time, she is keeping the door open for potential business expansion should the opportunities arise. Megan wants to continue to expand Meg-A-Latte to new locations in North Dakota, creating coffee houses that continue to bring people together.