After a long, stressful day at work, there is no better way to wind down than with a steaming mug of herbal tea—especially as temperatures start to drop. And no one agrees with this thought more than Jordan Scherer—a year ago he founded Wiseman Tea Company.
“On a spiritual level I fell in love with tea because it offers a unique opportunity for self reflection,” says Jordan. “The company currently serves our unique loose tea blends to several Chicago cafés. Throughout my experience I have encountered numerous fellow Jewish entrepreneurs that have inspired my venture into the tea world.”
Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Jordan’s family currently resides in Naperville while he lives in Lincoln Park. He attended two years at the University of Kansas until 2008 when he transferred to DePaul University. Studying management with a focus on entrepreneurship, Jordan is a member of the Coleman Entrepreneurial Center at DePaul “which has provided me with unparalleled consulting, and excellent connections and resources around Chicago,” he says. “Recently I was humbled by a nomination for the Global Student Entrepreneur Award, the most revered student business competition in the world.”
In his free time, Jordan enjoys reading novels, growing plants, meditation, biking, and connecting with friends.
So if you’re looking to discuss dystopian/utopian literature, connect with a Jewish entrepreneur, or just steep a cup of tea, Jordan Scherer is a Jew You Should Know:
1. What is your favorite blog or website?
My favorite website currently is Reddit.com. Reddit is a social news website that features a vibrant community of people who research, upload, comment, and vote up news stories on the web. On numerous occasions the site has challenged me to think critically about my own perspective and beliefs in relation to the world at large. I credit the site for providing me with deep wisdom and silly anecdotes all the same. (In addition to www.wisemantea.com of course.)
2. If time and money were limitless, where would you travel?
The first place I would travel is to China, to the numerous tea growing regions across the country. I would love to discover the similarities and differences between teatime in the west and the east. I would also love to travel to India, Japan, Israel, and South Africa.
3. If a movie were to be made about your life, who would play you?
Billy Zane because I've been told I resemble him in his prime.
4. If you could have a meal with any two people, living or dead, famous or not, who would they be?
Kurt Vonnegut and Alduous Huxley. I have an affinity for novels that make me question the world at large. Both these authors have created novels that focus on both dystopian and utopian scenarios. This type of literature sparks numerous questions in my mind and alters my perspective. I also appreciate the way Vonnegut could educate people through humor.
5. What's your idea of the perfect day?
My perfect day starts off with a warm cup of tea and a bike ride to sort through my thoughts. I then tend to business and schoolwork and forge a connection with people along the way. I enjoy around eight cups of tea per day of various types. I conclude my day with an herbal tea that puts me right to sleep and helps me reflect on areas to improve.
6. What do you love about what you do?
Steeping Wiseman Tea allows people an opportunity for deep intransient thought that facilitates positive self-reflection. A tea drinker is a thinker, philosopher, spiritual muse, and above all a seeker of truth and beauty. We are finding many people that were once obstinate about tea now substituting tea for coffee, sugary beverages, and energy drinks. I get great satisfaction from packing the tealeaves and shipping them out all over the world and country. I also enjoy building relationships with local cafés and observing the deep satisfaction of their cliental after drinking Wiseman Tea. At the end of the day I love having hundreds of pounds of tea to steep at my convenience.
7. What job would you have had if not the one you have now?
Working at a café discussing the sign of the times—discussing current events, pop culture, and brainstorming with friends.
8. What's your favorite Jewish thing to do in Chicago?
Connecting with numerous Jewish entrepreneurs throughout the city of Chicago. In addition, I enjoy ordering a corned beef on rye bread with an extra large pickle from Ashkenaz deli in the Gold Coast.
Get a discount on Wiseman Tea! Coupon Code: Oychicago (case sensitive) 15% off all teas.
Check out the website here!