X

For Reese Powers, opening a coffee shop in her hometown of Avon wasn’t just a business decision, it was the fulfillment of a dream rooted in family, friendship, and community. “I was inspired to open my coffee house because I love this town and community more than words can offer,” Reese said. “I knew I didn’t want to leave Avon. It is home and will forever be.” Reese’s journey began while attending Mitchell Tech, where she studied business management and entrepreneurship. During that time, she worked as a waitress at Cattleman’s Steakhouse and previously cleaned homes and businesses for Prestige Cleaning Services in Wagner. Those early jobs taught her the value of hard work, but it was her dear friend, Kaci Machino, owner of The Open Gate Coffee House in Spencer, Nebraska, who nudged her toward the world of coffee. “Kaci has been such a wholesome and refreshing friend,” Reese shared. “Her success was inspiring and made me believe I could do this too.” Reese also credits her parents, Dennis and April, along with her brothers Clifford and Randall, for teaching her grit and determination. Both of her parents are business owners, and her grandmother Missy’s entrepreneurial example helped light the way. The dream became reality in 2023, when Reese drafted her business plan while in school. Shortly after, the Powers family purchased the property next door to their existing business. The old insurance building was demolished in May of 2024, and construction officially began later that fall. M&M Construction of Tripp handled the project from foundation to finish, and while delays and supply setbacks tested her patience, Reese never lost faith. “I had many projected dates that I did not meet,” she said. “But I knew when the time was right, I’d open the doors. Everything came together so perfectly in the end.” The name “MADE Coffee House” is rooted in Reese’s favorite Bible verse, Psalms 139:14: “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” “I want my customers to feel at home,” Reese explained. “Everything here is made with intention, not by accident. I want people to know they are loved, they have purpose, and that whatever they order is made to bring them joy.” Her menu features craft coffee made from beans roasted by Normal Roasting Company in Burwell, Nebraska. From espresso creations to clean energy drinks and smoothies, Reese takes pride in researching quality products that best serve her customers. “My dad even developed a taste for pumpkin spice lattes with our homemade syrup,” she laughed. “And my brothers like to stop in for a little ‘quality control.’” Running the coffee house isn’t Reese’s only responsibility. She also serves as Office Manager for West Section Auction, is president of Avon's Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers with the Avon Fire Department. Her days typically start at 5:30 a.m. and run until 5:00 p.m., filled with brewing coffee, bookkeeping, ordering supplies, and greeting customers who quickly feel like family