We recently connected with Rich Stone and have shared our conversation below.

Rich, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Located in East Tennessee, Memoirs Coffee was founded with the dream of supporting farmers with respect and fairness to their craft and work. We are dedicated to supporting sustainability and a better quality of life. “Ethically sourced” isn’t just a buzzword to Memoirs. We know that behind every café is a supply chain of farmer of origin, to the roaster, to the coffee shop or direct to consumer. But it’s more than that to us- behind and inside every cup is a family of farmers, a rich history and culture, and a way of life. In every cup, a Memoir.

Rich, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Rich Stone, the visionary founder behind Memoirs Coffee, nestled in the heart of East Tennessee. My journey into the coffee industry is a tale of passion, respect, and the pursuit of a better quality of life for coffee farmers.

Over a decade ago, my love for coffee sparked a journey that led me through the intricate web of the coffee industry. From the bustling cafes to the serene coffee farms, I immersed myself in every aspect, learning the craft from the ground up. The dream of Memoirs Coffee was born from a desire to create a space where the dedication of farmers is met with respect and fairness.

Products/Services/Creative Works:
Memoirs Coffee is not just about beverages; it’s about stories in every cup. Our commitment to ethical sourcing is not a buzzword; it’s the foundation of our brand. We offer a curated selection of single-origin beans, meticulously roasted to perfection, each telling a unique story of origin, culture, and craftsmanship. Our dedication extends beyond the cup; it’s about supporting sustainability and enhancing the quality of life for the farmers who bring our coffee to life.

Client Solutions:
At Memoirs Coffee, we solve the problem of disconnection in the coffee supply chain. We understand that behind every café and every direct-to-consumer purchase is a network of hardworking farmers, roasters, and communities. Our commitment is to bridge this gap, ensuring that every purchase supports not just a product but a way of life for our partner farmers.

What Sets Us Apart:
What sets Memoirs Coffee apart is our unwavering dedication to the people behind the coffee – the families of farmers, their rich histories, and their vibrant cultures. “Ethically sourced” isn’t just a tagline; it’s a promise we live by. We go beyond certifications; we build relationships. We take pride in creating a product that not only delights the taste buds but also uplifts the communities that make it possible.

Proudest Achievements:
I am most proud of the relationships we’ve cultivated with farmers, creating a sustainable and fair supply chain. Our commitment to supporting communities, preserving traditions, and embracing eco-friendly practices is at the core of Memoirs Coffee. Every positive impact we make in the lives of our partners is a source of immense pride.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, Memoirs Coffee is an invitation to be part of something bigger. It’s an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, where every cup is a memoir – a testament to the stories, cultures, and traditions that make our coffee truly special. Join us on a journey where your daily ritual becomes a meaningful connection to the world of coffee, sustainability, and the human stories woven into each bean.

Thank you for considering Memoirs Coffee – where every sip is a celebration of life, culture, and the shared love for exceptional coffee.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Yes, at Memoirs Coffee Roasters LLC, we oversee the entire manufacturing process, from sourcing the raw coffee beans to the final roasting and packaging. When I started this venture, my extensive experience in the coffee industry provided a solid foundation, but I had to learn and adapt to the intricacies of manufacturing on a smaller scale.

In the initial stages, I personally handled the roasting process to understand the nuances of creating the perfect roast profile that aligned with our brand’s vision. As the demand for our coffee grew, I recognized the need to scale up production. This involved finding the right equipment, establishing efficient workflows, and ensuring quality control measures were in place.

While I didn’t have to find an external vendor for manufacturing, I did invest time in researching and selecting the best roasting equipment and machinery. This involved evaluating different suppliers, considering their reputation in the industry, and understanding the specifications that would meet our production needs.

The key lesson I’ve learned along the way is the importance of investing in reliable and high-quality manufacturing equipment. It not only ensures consistent product quality but also contributes to operational efficiency. Building a strong relationship with equipment suppliers and staying informed about the latest advancements in coffee roasting technology has been crucial in maintaining our manufacturing standards.

Additionally, the experience has taught me the significance of adaptability. The coffee industry is dynamic, and staying ahead requires being open to evolving practices, whether it’s adopting sustainable packaging solutions or embracing innovative roasting techniques. This flexibility has allowed us to continually improve our manufacturing processes and stay competitive in the market.

Overall, the journey of manufacturing our product has been a combination of leveraging existing expertise, learning through hands-on experience, and staying attuned to industry developments. It’s an ongoing process of refinement and innovation that aligns with our commitment to delivering a premium and ethically sourced coffee experience to our customers, as well as telling the farmer’s story.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

At Memoirs Coffee Roasters, we have chosen to primarily sell our products through our own dedicated website. While the option to leverage platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or Cratejoy is enticing for many businesses, we made a deliberate decision to establish and maintain our independent online presence. Let me break down the reasoning and discuss the pros and cons of this choice:

Selling on Our Own Site:

Pros:

Brand Control: Operating our own website gives us complete control over the branding, presentation, and overall customer experience. We can tailor the online environment to reflect the unique identity and values of Memoirs Coffee Roasters.

Customer Relationships: Selling directly allows us to build direct relationships with our customers. We can gather valuable feedback, respond to inquiries promptly, and implement personalized marketing strategies to foster customer loyalty.

Flexibility in Marketing: With our own site, we have the freedom to implement diverse marketing strategies, promotions, and loyalty programs. This flexibility is essential for adapting to changing market trends and customer preferences.

Data Ownership: We retain ownership of customer data, enabling us to analyze purchasing patterns, preferences, and demographics. This information is invaluable for tailoring our products and marketing efforts to meet customer needs effectively.

Cons:

Limited Exposure: Compared to large online marketplaces, our independent website might have limited initial exposure. Building a customer base and driving traffic requires additional effort in terms of marketing and promotion.

Transaction Fees: While we avoid marketplace fees by selling on our own site, we do incur payment processing fees. However, these are typically lower than the fees associated with third-party platforms.

Consideration of Other Platforms:

While we primarily sell through our website, we recognize the potential benefits of expanding to platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or Cratejoy. These can provide:

Pros:

Increased Visibility: Joining established marketplaces can expose our products to a broader audience, potentially increasing sales and brand recognition.

Built-in Customer Base: Marketplaces often have a pre-existing customer base, reducing the initial effort required to attract customers.

Cons:

Fee Structure: Many platforms charge fees for listing, transactions, and other services. These fees can impact profit margins.

Limited Brand Control: On external platforms, customization options for branding and the overall shopping experience are often limited.

Competition: The marketplace environment is highly competitive, and standing out can be challenging amidst numerous similar products.

Ultimately, our decision to prioritize our own website aligns with our commitment to maintaining control over the brand and customer experience. While there are challenges, the benefits of direct customer relationships and brand ownership outweigh the potential drawbacks for Memoirs Coffee Roasters.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.memoirscoffee.com
• Instagram: @memoirscoffee
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MemoirsCoffeeRoasters/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/richard-stone-a9984856
• Yelp: Memoirs Coffee Roasters
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@memoirscoffee

Image Credits
Picture with tall pour and tattooed arm photo credit to: Josh Giosue D’esposito.