When vision and hard work come together, UWIN
Young and ambitious, Marc Tallman (BBA 17) has quickly positioned himself as a visionary leader whose entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to community has set him apart. As a third-generation co-owner of Harvey Tallman International, Marc embraced responsibility early, balancing leadership in business with his role as a dedicated student and colleague.
He came to UWinnipeg for the small classes that allowed him to get to know his professors and be part of a community. The importance of community resonates with Marc in all his endeavours.
With business acumen entrenched in his DNA, Marc’s creative vision and love for coffee led to the creation of The Empty Cup Collective, a beloved local coffee company that has grown to seven thriving Winnipeg locations. Marc fully dedicates himself to his business ventures by researching, learning, consulting, and working to high standards to fully build the best enterprise possible.
Empty Cup values and publicly celebrates and supports connection in the incredible diversity that makes communities thrive. Motivated by customer satisfaction Marc is grateful for how Winnipeggers have embraced his coffee.
“Seeing people enjoy the product that we deliver or the business that we’ve created, and hearing people say how much they love us has been amazing to see,” shared Marc. “The number of times I meet somebody new, and they rave on about the beverages that created the experience that we have, it makes everything worth it at the end of the day.”
Marc doesn’t wait for opportunity—he builds it. Bold, like his coffee, he plans to expand to 30 more locations across Western Canada in the next decade.
Marc’s gift for leadership builds trust and makes space for collaboration and innovation. Grounded in values of hard work, honesty and integrity, Marc ensures his ventures give back. At most charity events in the city, you will find Empty Cup as a sponsor, with cans of coffee for the taking.
Another example of giving back to the community: every July 15, all Empty Cup profits are donated to organizations chosen by team members, reflecting his deep commitment to community.
“I think it’s just one way we’ve been raised. The community means everything to us, it’s the people that we surround ourselves with, it’s the community that we live in, the community that supports our businesses,” shared Marc.
Marc embraces unity in our differences. Each of the Empty Cup stores chooses a charity to donate to within the community they are located allowing each location to support who they believe needs the support.
“I find it fascinating, and I like the idea that each store has its own mantra,” said Marc. “It’s not a corporate decision, it’s organic.”
Marc’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership and the impact of brewing up ideas that include community that lead to success the right way which earned him the One to Watch Distinguished Alumni Award.
“It’s always hard to look back and see how far you’ve come because you’re always focused on what’s next,” shared Marc on the DAA honour. “It means a lot to see how much people enjoy what you’ve created.”
The University of Winnipeg is proud to honour Marc Tallman with the One to Watch Distinguished Alumni Award at the Inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award Night on Thursday, October 23 at the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration. Tickets are available now on the Distinguished Alumni Awards website.
