We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cole Koeberer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cole, thanks for joining us today. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.

We proudly donate a percentage of our sales to Nashville-based animal charities and shelters. As someone with a background in pre-veterinary animal science, animals have always held a special place in my heart. Supporting local organizations that care for animals is one way we give back to the community and help make a difference for the animals that need it most.

Cole, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Blue Hound Brew was born out of a desire to create a cold brew coffee that doesn’t taste overly processed or artificial. While my background is in animal science, I’ve always been passionate about creating something that feels genuine and well-crafted. Like many coffee lovers, I struggled to find a ready-to-drink coffee that wasn’t bitter or filled with fake ingredients, so I decided to make one myself.

Our mission is simple: to provide a coffee experience that’s balanced and smooth, using natural ingredients. We use whole milk because we believe it adds a richness that can’t be replicated with alternatives or artificial creamers. Our beverages maintain a delicate balance of high-quality coffee, rich milk, and distinct flavors—like our Salted Caramel or Honey Vanilla. We want the flavors to complement the coffee, not overpower it, so you get a satisfying, refreshing drink every time.

What sets us apart is our commitment to real ingredients and our dedication to creating a cold brew that feels authentic. We’re proud that our drinks offer the perfect blend of bold coffee flavor, creamy milk, and natural, distinguishable flavors without feeling heavy or overly processed. We also give back to the Nashville community by donating a percentage of sales to local animal charities, which is something close to my heart.

We want our customers to know they can trust us to deliver a high-quality, refreshing coffee that’s made with care and integrity. Blue Hound Brew isn’t just about great coffee; it’s about creating a product that stands for more—genuine flavor, natural ingredients, and a connection to the local community and Tennessee.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Starting Blue Hound Brew was a huge personal pivot for me. I had a job that I really enjoyed, but I kept feeling this pull to create something of my own. I knew that if I didn’t take the risk and try to build something, I’d end up looking back 40 years from now, wondering “What if?” The fear of regret far outweighed the fear of failure, and that’s what pushed me to take the leap.

It wasn’t easy to walk away from something stable, but it’s about embracing risk in life. There’s never going to be a perfect moment to start a business, but for me, it was the right time to trust my instincts and go all in. That decision—to bet on myself—wasn’t just about starting a company, it was about proving to myself that I could take control of my own path.

Building Blue Hound Brew from the ground up has been an incredible challenge, but I’m proud of the journey. I had to learn to pivot personally, and that’s a big part of why this brand means so much to me. It’s not just about making great coffee; it’s about pushing through uncertainty and taking a chance on something you believe in.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Authenticity has been central to everything we do at Blue Hound Brew. We’re passionate about making a product that’s true to our vision—using real ingredients and delivering a coffee that people can trust. This focus on quality has really resonated with our community.

What’s helped build our reputation even more is getting out to farmers markets and events all over Nashville. Being able to meet customers face-to-face, let them try our product, and hear their feedback directly has been invaluable. People appreciate when they can connect with the person behind the brand, and for us, these events have become a major part of how we share our story.

It’s not just about selling coffee; it’s about showing up consistently, being part of the community, and building relationships. We’ve been able to grow by staying involved and accessible, and that’s something we’ll continue to prioritize as we expand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bluehoundbrew.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluehoundbrew/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Blue-Hound-Brew-61555529117087/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-hound-brew/

Image Credits

https://www.christinsuzanne.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZUuWeXeCaWDPKE3boFpsA2hFXFFm4HMDCQURA5UTUQF9aY3F1hngQmdwY_aem_U2yI7VUX6iM4dXiNtzIKCQ