$17 Million in Coffee Roasted to Taste
Description
Company Stats:
- Founded: 1993
- Annual Revenue: $17 million
- Employees: 195
- Locations: 9 cafes in Southeastern Wisconsin
- Co-ownership: Established in 2016
- Certified B Corp since 2022
Podcast Highlights:
✅ Stone Creek Coffee scales through B2B, grocery distribution, and e-commerce rather than new physical locations.
✅ Roast-level guided product lines make specialty coffee more accessible to everyday consumers.
✅ Certified B Corp ensures focus on employee wellbeing, ethical sourcing, and positive community impact.
Episode Summary:
Stone Creek Coffee began in 1993 as one of the first specialty coffee roasters in the United States, years before large brands entered the scene. Over three decades later, the company has grown to nine retail cafes, a thriving wholesale presence, and a rapidly expanding e-commerce division. With annual revenue reaching $17 million, Stone Creek Coffee stands out as a leader in quality, accessibility, and community-driven business practices.
Drew Pond, who joined as a café manager in 2014, became COO just months later and a co-owner in 2016. He has played a pivotal role in shifting the company’s growth strategy toward online and B2B sales while maintaining a commitment to craft and hospitality. By prioritizing roast levels and clear tasting notes, the company helps customers navigate specialty coffee in a relatable way. This innovation, combined with a certified B Corp ethos, positions Stone Creek Coffee uniquely within a highly competitive digital coffee marketplace.
Looking ahead, Stone Creek Coffee plans to expand its roastery operations while continuing to refine its e-commerce and wholesale strategies. Its model of small-batch craftsmanship, employee empowerment, and ethical sourcing ensures the brand maintains both authenticity and scalability in the specialty coffee industry.
Notable Questions We Asked:
Q: What makes Stone Creek Coffee’s approach to retail expansion different from other coffee companies?
A: Instead of opening more cafes, Stone Creek focuses on B2B partnerships, grocery distribution, and e-commerce growth for scalability.
Q: How do you help customers choose the right coffee if they are not familiar with tasting notes?
A: Stone Creek simplifies the process by organizing coffee around roast levels, making it easier for consumers to find a flavor profile they enjoy.
Q: What role does being a Certified B Corp play in your company’s mission?
A: Certification validates Stone Creek’s commitment to employee wellbeing, sustainable sourcing, and long-term community impact.
Q: What challenges do you face in competing within the digital coffee marketplace?
A: With thousands of online roasters, differentiation comes from clear product presentation, consistent quality, and building customer trust.
Q: How does Stone Creek balance small-batch craftsmanship with scaling operations?
A: By maintaining smaller production lines and focusing on quality first, even as they expand distribution and e-commerce.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:31 Company Stats
01:23 Business Model and Expansion Strategies
02:23 Challenges and Differentiators in the Digital Space
04:24 Exploring Coffee Varieties and Tasting Notes
08:01 Stone Creek's Ethical Practices and Future Plans
12:01 Connect with Stone Creek Coffee
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#CoffeeLovers #SpecialtyCoffee #CoffeeRoasting #SustainableBusiness #B2B #EcommerceGrowth #DirectToConsumer #SmallBatch #CoffeeCulture #BCorp
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