Brett Wiensch, Servant Leader
Owner, 1889 Coffee House
“The servant-leader is servant first…It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead.”
Brett Wiensch has been an owner of 1889 Coffee House, a small local business in Helena, for five years. Brett exemplifies the qualities of servant leadership through his empowering leadership, and genuine care. The workers of 1889 Coffee House and many students of Carroll College all agree that he is a genuine person who truly cares for his employees while serving the Helena community.
Donnie, a store manager of 1889, said that Brett is always reaching out to different parts of the community to see what he can do to help. "Brett is one of the most helpful people I have ever met, whether it is work or anything else, he would do anything for anyone" says Donnie.
Donnie shared his story of Brett's willingness to help him out when he first moved from Arizona. He praised Brett's resilience when facing tough situations. Donnie is also thankful for the opportunities to become a better leader and grow as a person through working for Brett at 1889.
Brett's staff say he is "a true go-getter" in the Helena community.
"He always looks for the best, but when things get tough, we just keep going," said Cori.
“The true test of a servant leader is whether those served grow as persons. Do they while being served become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, and more likely themselves to become servants.”
Cori shared her appreciation for being in a work environment that allows everyone to grow as an individual in their own ways. Cori applauded Brett's ability to always look for positives in all situations.
Skyler Maccoun, who graduated in 2021, gotten to know Brett through one of her jobs. Skyler said Brett always puts others before himself, and cares about his employees.
"Brett is one of the most caring and hardworking people I know, and he cares deeply about the city of Helena," said Skyler.
She talked about his willingness to show others how things are done in the stores. Skyler praised Brett for his good communication skills with his team, and his personable nature that allows him to build relationships with his employees and customers.
Whether supporting other local businesses, a local sports team, and college students, or providing help to families in the community, Brett has never stopped serving those around him. Rosie Walsh, a Carroll servant leader herself during her 34 Carroll years, noted that “Brett, in addition to hiring Carroll students, hires disabled persons, providing them the opportunity to earn a living and have the dignity they deserve--for which he deserves much credit.”
Brett is sociable and always keeping an eye on what is going on in Helena, and how he could get involved and help. He enjoys connecting with employees one on one in order to get to know them better, as well as coaching them through any difficulties at work.
Oftentimes, Brett can be seen taking orders, making a nice cup of coffee behind the counter, or chatting and getting to know the customers. He is constantly looking for ways to help those around him. Brett is a servant leader at the 1889 Coffee House and in the Helena community. He is not afraid to step up to serve those in need. He is also open to any suggestions from others, whether it is to improve or collaborate. When in tough times, Brett always looks for the positives in the situation and strengths of his workers.
Overall, Brett is a servant leader who leads to serve others not to be served by them.
The students of the 2020 Servant Leadership class at Carroll, have studied Servant Leadership all semester, and then set out to find one who lives up to those qualities.
We are proud to honor Brett Wiensch as a true Servant Leader.
Inspired by your example, we will seek to become servant leaders ourselves.