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My Three Biggest Challenges: Tony Santoro

by Tony Santoro on February 6, 2020

It can be hard to find your “Why” in life.
It can be even harder once you have.
Especially when you choose to put others first.

Tony Santoro, and his wife, Becky, know a little something about that. Putting others first is woven into their personal and professional lives.

Tony is the founder of Enderly Coffee Co, a local wholesale coffee roaster and coffee shop based in West Charlotte, in the Enderly Park Neighborhood. He believes business owners have the ability to make deep impacts on their world, especially if they are willing to diverge their eyes away from solely profit. He loves coffee, but loves people more (even as an introvert). Becky, founded Foster Village Charlotte, which supports local children in foster care and those caring for them by meeting urgent needs, providing support to stabilize foster homes, and advocating for lasting change in the child welfare process. Foster Village won the grand prize winner at #SEED20 in 2019.

Chasing after a house full of children, while running a business and helming a nonprofit is worth it. But, it doesn’t come easily.

Here are Tony Santoro’s 3 Biggest Challenges on February 6, 2020, in his own words.

TWO WORKING PARENTS WITH KIDS

“Becky and I have 4 kids (2 in Elementary School and 2 in daycare). We both work plenty. They get sick… CMS needs their workdays… WHAT ARE WE TO DO WITH THE KIDS THIS SUMMER? Juggling work and kids is a real struggle at times. Am I right, parents?”

DOING A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

“Starting a business is tough. Growing a business is tougher. As we grow it is hard to find a balance of what I personally should be doing vs. what I should be outsourcing/hiring. Between forecasting and planning future projects along with running the current business and managing cashflow, I find myself spread too thin at times.”

SOCIAL LIFE? WHAT IS A SOCIAL LIFE?

“Finding time for myself can be challenging, but finding time for friends is a struggle at another level. If I do find spare time/energy, it goes to my wife and kids first. Spare time is sparse, so my social life is minimal, though I am mostly ok with that in this season.”