Summary

Today's episode is sponsored by Manscaped. Use code "Mile40" for 20% off and free shipping.

On this episode, Bishoy unlocks the journey of Nicholas Stone, the founder and CEO of Bluestone Lane, an Australian-inspired lifestyle and hospitality brand. From the bustling streets of New York City to over 75 locations nationwide, Bluestone Lane has distinguished itself with its community-centric approach and innovative business practices.

In this episode, we'll explore Nick's transition from professional Australian Rules Football (AFL) to a successful career in finance, ultimately leading to his entrepreneurial venture. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of growing Bluestone Lane, especially how the company navigated the tumultuous waters of the pandemic, faced an 87% revenue drop, and made critical pivots like adopting digital ordering and third-party deliveries. Plus, we'll hear about Nick's unique vision for coffee culture, his values-centered leadership, and the company’s mission to prioritize human connections over profits.

Join us as we uncover the remarkable resilience and personal growth stories behind Bluestone Lane’s rise, touching upon the significant cultural differences between the U.S. and Australia, and the unwavering support from Nick's community.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond business success to highlight true fulfillment and the essence of human connection.

Nicholas Stone is a native of Melbourne Australia who moved to New York City in 2010. He is the Founder & CEO of Bluestone Lane , Australian-influenced lifestyle and hospitality brand based in New York, NY.

Nick envisioned Bluestone Lane whilst attending Business School in New York, with the idea of providing a premium coffee/cafe experience that is readily found in his former hometown of Melbourne Australia (but not readily available in New York). Since opening in July 2013, Bluestone Lane has become one of the fastest-growing premium coffee and café brands in New York City, having opened in excess of 75 locations across several markets.

Bluestone Lane has grown to employ over 1,000 staff, with revenues exceeding US$70.0m per annum and has signed a transformational global expansion partnership with Hilton Hotels Corporation.

Nick joined Bluestone Lane as its full-time Founder & CEO in June 2016, having spent 10 years as a Corporate Finance Director with ANZ Banking Group Limited (“ANZ”) and UBS Investment Bank.

Prior to banking, Nick was a professional Australian Rules Football (AFL) player for 6 seasons, having been selected in the 1999 AFL National Draft from Wesley College, Australia (High School). Nick played for the Collingwood Football Club, Hawthorn Football Club and St Kilda Football Club.

Nick was a 2019 Finalist in EY’s Entrepreneur of Year New York. Nick currently serves as a brand ambassador for American Express and as a host of the Business Class series. Nick also served as a guest expert judge on Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars on FOX. Nick has been featured in the New York Times, CNBC, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Forbes and GQ. Nick has been a featured guest on +20 podcasts.

Nick holds a Bachelor of Business (Banking & Finance) degree from Monash University, Melbourne, a Master Degree in Applied Finance from FINSIA, Melbourne, a MBA from Melbourne Business School Melbourne University, Melbourne and Postgraduate Executive Diploma in Treasury from the Fordham Graduate School of Business, New York.

Nick was awarded the prestigious annual Monash University 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award for the Faculty of Business and Economics.

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