At 17 years old, Camryn Wiedeman — already familiar with the demands of running a small business through his family’s popular hot dog mobile trailer operation — is preparing to launch a venture of his own. Wiedeman recently announced plans for Primal Craft Coffee Co., a mobile coffee business expected to open this fall.
While the truck is still several months away from serving its first customers, Wiedman said the idea has been in the works for some time.
His father owns Primal Craft Dogz, a business familiar to many in the Owensboro area. Wiedeman said working alongside his dad has provided nearly all of his business education.
“Almost everything I know about starting a business was all learned from my dad,” he said. “He’s taught me that something is always going to go wrong — you just have to make the best of it. There will be days you don’t make the money you want, and there will be good days and bad days.”
One lesson that has especially stuck with him is the importance of relationships.
“Building business relationships is very beneficial because you don’t know what they can teach you,” he said.
The concept for Primal Craft Coffee Co. took shape earlier this year. Wiedeman said he had been considering starting a food truck, but a knee surgery in May gave him additional time to think through what kind of business he wanted to build.
“I had all kinds of time to think, and coffee is always something my family and I have enjoyed,” he said.
Although remodeling the trailer was manageable — he said he has already remodeled both trailers the family owns — the unseen work of launching a business proved more challenging than expected.
“The part that surprised me the most is all the behind-the-scenes details, as in licenses and permits you need, and the middle part of coming up with concepts and menus,” he said.
Wiedeman said he has been heavily involved in developing every aspect of the business, from the menu to the overall concept. His father has offered guidance along the way, particularly as Wiedeman works to create specialty coffee drinks with the same kind of over-the-top appeal that helped make Primal Craft Dogz successful.
One feature he plans to emphasize is offering both traditional and sugar-free versions of his drinks. The idea came partly from his mother, who prefers sugar-free coffee, and from conversations with local food reviewers.
“I feel like it would open a door to more customers,” he said.
As he balances school, family life, and preparations for the business launch, Wiedeman said he has intentionally set a later opening date to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Looking ahead, he hopes to learn from customer feedback, refine his products, and build a profitable business. He also has a friendly family competition in mind.
“I hope to learn from customers’ feedback and perfect the coffee — and to outsell my dad in his first year,” he said. “If it’s received well by my customer base and becomes profitable, then I view that as success.”
His father has fully embraced the new venture.
“He’s just as excited to see me launch mine as he was his own, and he’s very proud,” Wiedeman said.
Among the advice his father has shared, one phrase stands above the rest.
“He’s always said, ‘Embrace the suck,’ meaning even on the bad days, you still have to love what you do to get to the good days,” Wiedeman said. “If you keep working and keep improving and be better than you were yesterday, you will eventually succeed.”
Those interested can follow the business on social media for updates, menu announcements, and opening information.
