Mix passion with business, students told

New London — The owner of a new coffee-roasting business in downtown Norwich told more than 200 high school students gathered Thursday at a Money Madness seminar sponsored by Chelsea Groton Bank not to “veer too far off the road of what you’re passionate about.”

Matthew DuTrumble, who opened Craftsman Cliff Roasters coffee shop at 34 Broadway just two weeks ago, addressed high schoolers in a keynote speech during a lunchtime break in Crozier Williams Student Center at Connecticut College. The seminar, rescheduled from earlier this year when a snowstorm canceled the gathering, featured students from eight schools representing Norwich, North Stonington, Montville, Waterford, East Lyme and New London.

“People really care where their food comes from,” DuTrumble said.

That’s why he made sure that he roasts his own coffee made from fair-trade and organic beans from Brazil, Peru and Honduras, he said. After spending time in California learning many of the processes, DuTrumble said he’s excited to have come back east to his Norwich roots.

“If you love what you do, it’s not work,” he said.

He encouraged students to learn everything they can about their business but also urged them to delegate and trust in the team around them. He added that entrepreneurs must understand that it isn’t all about work, and that they should diversify their interests to avoid living an unhealthy lifestyle.

“I am learning every single day,” he said.

Learning is a big part of Money Madness, as well, with an emphasis on teaching financial literacy. Students learned about a wide range of topics, including gambling, food budgeting, self defense, identity theft, financing college, the importance of saving and vehicle buying tips.

“Financial decisions made as teens can stay with them for a long time,” said Miria Toth, community education officer for Chelsea Groton, in a release.