Micah Elconin, a friend I’ve known for a few years asked me if we could help deliver coffee to the RAIN Eugene startup meeting once a month downtown. Arriving at the meeting early, we would set up tables with coffee, cream, sugar (from local coffee roaster Equiano Coffee Co.) before the convergence of business professionals that would percolate through the door. We had a good time in the mornings, talking about new ideas and networking. One of the folks I met had a unique idea and design to create a new way of stocking local artisans brands of wine at your favorite restaurants. Enter Justin Bloom, co-founder of BitCork.

A part of the RAIN family, he was a usual at the coffee meetings. He explained his business, wine distribution to local businesses, (some we were already working with). I explained my business, connecting local restaurants and their clients with people who need delivery. Justin had a thought, “Do you ever deliver alcohol?” I admitted we had in the past but hadn’t had much success.

“Let me get back to you,” he said with a glint in his eye.
Our partnership began a month later, distributing goods for BitCork. It happened thanks to the coffee meetup for connecting us!

Michael McKern

Co-Founder, Owner

If you would like to share how RAIN Eugene has had a positive impact on you, your company, or our community. Please share with us at info@raineugene.org.