A Year-End Chat with Friend-of-the-Show Vandor Hill of Whack Donuts

·28 min·2 clips

Vander Hill reveals the 'keep going' stickers that get him through days of doubt as a small business owner.

This episode features a relaxed, conversational interview between host Jeff Hunt and Vander Hill, the owner of Whack Donuts, recorded in his shop. Hill recounts the past year since their last chat in January, starting with his one-year anniversary event organized with help from Power Surge. He then describes a break-in where a window was broken and merchandise, including a jacket won from dancer Mr. Wiggles, was stolen. Construction near the shop forced him to assure customers it was open, reminiscent of the movie 'Clerks.' Hill discusses inheriting new responsibilities after exiting the Vacant to Vibe rent program, such as pest control and ADA compliance, without a corresponding revenue increase. Lease renegotiation becomes a central tension, with property management questioning his sales fluctuations; Hill pushes back, citing inaccuracies and the slow downtown recovery. To drive sales, he implements weekly themes like Basic Tuesdays, Whack Wednesdays, and Cartoon Saturdays, the latter featuring vintage cartoons to attract families. Hill also touches on mental health, mentioning days he closed due to personal loss and fatigue, and critiques the influence of online reviews, sharing a story of a one-star rating over decaf coffee. He emphasizes resilience, inspired by motivational speakers and the goal to reach year three for business stability. The episode concludes with Hill's commitment to continue, viewing his downtown tenure as a resume builder for future success.

As heard by us

A loose year-end donut shop conversation about stamina, flexibility, and the limits of spreadsheet logic.

A year-end visit to a vegan donut shop turns the second year of a small business into a grounded study of stamina. Vander Hill of Whacked Donuts talks through the kitchen stickers that help him get through low days, the fifth year since he started, and the sleep schedule he has…

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Why you'd press play

You want a relaxed inside-the-shop conversation about the strain, schedule, and lease reality behind Whacked Donuts in San Francisco.

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