|
Kevin's passion for coffee
excellence had roots in the
Caribbean Island of Jamaica. While
savoring the exquisite flavor of
pure Jamaican Blue Mountain, his
vision was created to import
exclusive coffee beans from around
the world. Sampling the finest
coffee from different countries
over the next decade set the stage
for the future.
In the late
1990's Kevin's hobby of creating
unique coffee bean blends and
coffee roasting was born.
Initially roasting for friends and
family as special gifts, he was
headed for something bigger.
One gracious
recipient was his friend and
"Rock N'
Roll Hall of Fame"
bassist, Larry Graham, of Graham
Central Station.
(Formerly Sly &
the Family Stone) Larry and
his family lived in Jamaica for 7
years and they enjoy Jamaican Blue
Mountain coffee. It was Larry's
encouragement for Kevin to share
this "art"
form by starting a
coffee roastery.
Larry became his first customer.
SpecialtyJava.com was born. In
2011, Kevin formed Eco Sense
Coffees, a subsidiary company of
Specialty Java Inc. to meet the
growing demand for eco sustainable
coffees, private labeling, and
long-term freshness packaging.
Kevin finds
reading
the passionate testimonials sent in
by clients
extremely gratifying.
Knowing he has literally helped
put a smile on the face of the
many thousands
of clients across the USA when
they sip the fruits of his art
brings him a
deep sense of satisfaction
and fulfillment.
He feels
the opportunity to
do something in your life that you
truly love, is the best reward of
all.
Kevin's success is deeply rooted
in his
entrepreneurial spirit.
The first
business he started was selling plums
door-to-door at the age of 6. This
was
followed by several other
entrepreneurial endeavors during
Junior and Senior High School. Right
out of college, he began a career
as an executive search consultant.
After 5 years, he then started his
own executive search firm,
Emerging Technology Service, Inc.,
specializing in the recruitment of
Information Technology
professionals across the U.S.
Driven by this entrepreneurial spirit,
today he enjoys
helping independent coffee shops
succeed
in the face of competition from
businesses like
Starbucks.
Originally from
North Dakota, Kevin attended the University
of Minnesota from 1975 to 1980,
pursuing dual majors in Business
Administration and Music
Education. Kevin
and his wife of
26 years, Shirley, have 2
children, enjoy
travel and volunteering. |
