Joshua Poole: Ipswich entrepreneur, social media star reveals secrets to success of Coffee By Josh

A young social media star and entrepreneur from Marburg has shared the secrets to his success, emphasising the ability in his disability. See why his customers just love him.

A young Ipswich man is inspiring thousands as the owner-operator of a successful small business at Haigslea, Coffee By Josh.

Joshua Poole, 22, opened his coffee shop four years ago after completing a hospitality course in high school, and has since built a loyal following of more than 12,000 Facebook fans as well as countless regular customers.

The Marburg man’s success is attributable to many factors, including hard work, a devoted team, and an unmatched passion for good coffee.

Mr Poole said he always knew he wanted to own his own business and he liked that Coffee By Josh provided a safe place for people with disabilities, and their families and support workers, to enjoy coffee and a meal.

“I like supporting people,” he said.

Coffee By Josh owner Joshua Poole, 22, said he fell in love with making coffee after completing a hospitality course in high school. Picture: Jessica Baker

Mr Poole has an intellectual impairment himself and finds working at his coffee shop allows him to socialise comfortably in a setting familiar to him.

His mum Katrina Poole said he had established strong friendships with his customers, which kept them coming back.

“Instead of (Josh) going out into the community all the time, he invites the community to come here so it’s in a familiar space for him,” Ms Poole said.

“He feels comfortable here. He gets to know the customers as they come back regularly and develop a rapport, then start having some jokes and laughs.”

Joshua Poole and a regular Coffee By Josh customer, Rick Noy. Picture: Jessica Baker

She said the coffee van, located just off the Warrego Highway on Claus Rd, had become a meeting place for both locals and visitors over the years, many of whom were otherwise socially isolated.

“Everybody’s welcome,” Ms Poole said.

“(Customers) keep on coming back and then they start chatting to different people and it ends up being a whole group getting involved in conversation.

“People are developing new friendships, which is really nice.”

Most of the unique furniture and decorations at the Claus Rd shop were built by Josh and his friends, family, and support workers. Picture: Jessica Baker

Filled with handmade furniture and trinkets, Coffee By Josh immediately makes its customers feel at home.

Though individual tables are provided, a typical morning at the Claus Rd shop will see half a dozen people sharing coffee and conversation in a communal space by the van.

They laugh, play board games, and enjoy coffee thoughtfully and expertly made by Mr Poole.

The young man’s support network has allowed him to further elevate the customer experience, with his parents and his support workers playing pivotal roles in the business.

To taste what Mr Poole proudly calls the “best coffee in town”, and to shop Coffee by Josh’s antiques and giftware, visit the van between 7am and 11am Wednesday, 8am and 11am Thursday, 7am and 11am Friday, or 8am and 12pm Saturday.