​Ah, Kitsap County. A land of ferry boats, Puget Sound views, and, as I discovered with my crack marketing team from West Hills Autoplex, a surprising wealth of independent coffee shops. Our recent President's Day Sales Event had been a roaring success. The energy on the sales floor? Electric! So, to celebrate, we embarked on a caffeinated pilgrimage, a sort of moveable feast of java, if you will.
Now, with nine of us – Me, Josh, Tiffany, George, Kate, Katie, Audrey, Amanda, and Landon – we needed a vessel worthy of our caffeine quest. Enter the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali. A magnificent beast, it is, with the added bonus of ten cup holders. Ten! A veritable coffee armada could sail within its cabin. Perfect.
Our first stop, Café Corvo in Bremerton. A cozy spot, tucked away, where the aroma of freshly roasted beans hung heavy in the air. Josh, ever the adventurous one, ordered a "Corvo Cortado," a Spanish-style coffee with a rich espresso and a touch of steamed milk. Tiffany, more traditional, opted for a "Classic Cappuccino," perfectly frothed and dusted with cocoa. While they navigated the intricacies of the Corvo menu, the rest of us discussed the highlights of the sales event. George recounted his near-miss with a particularly enthusiastic customer who almost bought two trucks. "He was ready to sign on the dotted line for both a Sierra and a Canyon!" he exclaimed. Tiffany, meanwhile, analyzed the effectiveness of our social media campaign. "Our Instagram reels featuring the Yukon Denali practically went viral!" she declared. The Yukon, meanwhile, sat patiently, a gleaming testament to American automotive ingenuity. George, ever the techie, pointed out the Denali's impressive infotainment system. "Imagine," he said, "streaming our sales figures in real-time on that screen! We could even display the 'Deal of the Day' while driving!"
Next, Fraiche Cup, also in Bremerton. This time, it was Katie and Audrey's turn to brave the barista. Katie, seeking something refreshing, chose a "Lavender Honey Latte," infused with floral notes and a touch of sweetness. Audrey, needing a pick-me-up, went for the "Triple Shot Espresso," a potent concoction designed to jumpstart any engine. The conversation shifted to the Yukon itself. Amanda, a self-proclaimed SUV aficionado, praised the Denali's smooth ride. "It's like gliding on a cloud," she declared. Josh, ever the practical one, was impressed by the cargo space. "We could fit a whole pallet of coffee beans back there!" he joked. "Or maybe a few of those oversized TVs we give away during our holiday sales event," added Kate.
East Bremerton beckoned, and we found ourselves at Bubz Café. George, feeling a bit peckish, ordered a scone with his espresso and Kate got her regular, "Dirty Chai,". Then, a stone's throw away, Mystic Brew. Me and Audrey took charge of the caffeine acquisition. Each café had its own distinct personality, its own unique brew. And at each stop, the team’s energy levels remained high, fueled by the caffeine and the shared success.
Silverdale was our final frontier. First, Move Coffee Company. Amanda and Landon volunteered for the run. Then, the cleverly named Cup of Jo Coffee and Mimosa Bar, Josh and Tiffany securing their drinks. I was ready for a mimosa, but figured a company outing wasn’t quite the appropriate time. Our grand finale was at Monica's Waterfront Bakery and Café. Katie, craving something sweet ordered the team a dozen donuts to compliment her "Red Eye," a coffee with an extra shot of espresso.
As we cruised back to West Hills Autoplex, the sun setting over the Puget Sound, I reflected on our journey. It wasn't just about the coffee, though the coffee was excellent. It was about the camaraderie, the shared sense of accomplishment, and the joy of exploring the hidden gems of Kitsap County. And, of course, the Yukon Denali, our trusty steed, carrying us and our precious cargo of caffeine-fueled enthusiasm. A perfect ending to a perfect sales event. Just another day in paradise, and another successful marketing adventure, fueled by the spirit of West Hills Autoplex.
