Lindsay Joyce leads with her heart and believes that how you treat people — employees, customers, and oneself — defines the kind of success you create.
“When you build something rooted in authenticity and connection, it naturally grows beyond just a business,” said the general manager at Zummo’s Cafe in Scranton.
Joyce oversees all aspects of daily operations at Zummo’s from staffing, payroll, and inventory management to product development, marketing, and community partnerships. Deeply involved in all details of the business she also curates seasonal menus and sources local products to create an environment where both her team and customers feel connected, valued and at home.
Having studied business management out of high school, she notes that much of what she has learned has come from hands-on experience. The young woman began her career steps at Nina’s in Dunmore for over 10 years having worked her way up from waitress to general manager of multiple locations before transitioning to Zummo’s. “Building this business and community has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding, it has taught me grit, creativity, and how to lead with both structure and heart,” she said.
Feeling fortunate to have a few great mentors throughout her journey that have included local business owners who showed her the importance of consistency, collaboration, and community connection. Maggie Calpin Pozniak, owner of Nibbles & Bits, has been her biggest inspiration reminding her that success is about people first, not just numbers. Another mentor has been Robin Berndt, owner of Zummo’s Cafe.
“She took me under her wing and taught me so much about both business and professionalism, she helped shape the way I lead today, I am forever grateful to her,” said Joyce.
The businesswoman attributes her success to a combination of hard work, tremendous support by others, and consistency and kindness go a long way “Showing up every day with purpose, even when things are tough. My girls at the cafe are truly my family too,” she added.
Joyce has received great support from her husband, Marc, in addition to her family and close friends who have been there for her along the way.
“They have encouraged me through every stage of building the business. I have the most amazing support system who I am so grateful for everyday,” she notes.
Her children inspire her daily to build something meaningful and to show them that hard work and compassion can go hand in hand.
“Community is the heartbeat of Zummo’s. We love hosting local events, supporting school fundraisers, and partnering with other small businesses. Giving back is at the core of what we do,” said the general manager.
Zummo’s has been recognized multiple times by the community, including several “Best Café” and “Best Cup of Coffee” honors. “Those recognitions mean so much because they reflect the hard work and heart our entire team puts in every day,” said Joyce.
“What means the most to me is that our shop has become a place where people feel at home. I am passionate about seeing the city of Scranton continue to grow and thrive and I hope my story encourages others to take the leap and build something rooted in passion, connection, and community,” she concludes.
Lindsay Joyce
Age: 35
Home: Scranton
Company: Zummo’s Cafe, 918 Marion St., Scranton
Title: General Manager