Suburban firefighter's startup helps independent coffee roasters

A coffee-loving 15-year veteran of the fire service was unable to find one location with diverse, sustainable, and independent coffee roasters that he felt good buying from.

A lightbulb went off. David Bacino responded by establishing relationships with 25 local coffee roasters noteworthy for the way they prioritize sustainability, livable wages and community.

Coffee Medley recognizes that prioritizing a great purpose and people over profit margins is respected in the specialty coffee industry, especially among local and independent coffee roasters.

This belief and a rapid transition to e-commerce due to COVID-19 allowed them to partner with some of the greatest local roasters.

"Countless times we were told, 'We have businesses calling us all the time trying to sell our coffee, and we tell them no, but we really like what you're doing here. Let's get on a call.' These statements made us realize that this is the beginning of something special," David Bacino said.

Opening Sunday, Nov. 1, at www.coffeemedley.com.

Coffee Medley is giving away a one-year subscription and three $295 pour over packages. Contest ends soon.

They are selling coffee from Microroaster of the Year, Good Food Award, and Golden Bean award winners.

They donate 1% of our profits to charities selected by each roaster.

They embrace diversity by highlighting minority and female owned roasters.

Visit mapleleafroasters.com or www.facebook.com/mapleleafroasters/.