We recently connected with Joy Disch and have shared our conversation below.

Joy , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Blind Dog Coffee wasn’t just born out of a business plan—it was born from one man’s fight to keep going when life tried to stop him.

Mark Berry, our founder, is a childhood cancer survivor. As a kid, he faced the unimaginable—radiation treatments that ultimately saved his life, but permanently impacted his vision. Decades later, by the time he turned 49, Mark became legally blind. A man who had worked with his hands and built a career over decades suddenly found himself unable to earn a living in the way he always had.

That could’ve been the end of the story. But Mark wasn’t wired that way.

Instead, he turned toward something bold, something completely new: coffee. With the help of his family, he decided to learn how to roast—by touch, by smell, and by instinct. It wasn’t just about mastering a skill; it was about reclaiming a sense of purpose. What started as a small operation in Northern Nevada quickly grew into a movement—one rooted in resilience, passion, and the pursuit of something meaningful.

At first, there was no guarantee it would work. The roasting world is competitive, and Mark was entering it with a unique set of challenges. But what he had was something no one else did: a deeply personal story that resonated. And a level of care and intention in every roast that couldn’t be replicated. Blind Dog Coffee quickly became a symbol—of second chances, of family, of turning adversity into fuel.

What excited us then, and still does now, is that we weren’t just selling coffee. We were offering connection. We were inviting people into a bigger story—one that supports childhood cancer foundations, uplifts communities at origin, and creates impact far beyond the cup.

Today, with Mark’s legacy carried on by his Son Ian, that story is still being written—by every partner, every wholesale customer, and every person who chooses to be part of something deeper than just coffee.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Our specialty is low-acid, smooth coffees that are full of flavor and kind to the stomach—without sacrificing depth, aroma, or body. Whether you’re brewing a cup of our bold, smoky Nevada Black or enjoying the rich, balanced profile of Tanner’s Roast, you’ll taste the difference that care and craftsmanship make.

That difference starts with Ian, our master roaster, who personally hand-selects every bean we use. He works closely with our sourcing partners to identify high-quality coffees from farms that align with our values. Once those beans arrive, Ian performs test roasts at various temperatures to find the perfect profile—maximizing flavor while preserving the smooth, low-acid characteristics we’re known for. It’s a process driven by passion and precision, not automation.

We roast in small batches, by hand, giving each origin and blend the attention it deserves. Every cup reflects our pursuit of excellence—from the farm to the flame to your final pour.

We’re not just serving great coffee—we’re offering a product with purpose, roasted with heart, and backed by a story our customers will feel connected to. Because at Blind Dog Coffee, we’re not just here to sell coffee. We’re here to craft it—with integrity, intention, and a whole lot of flavor.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What really set us apart was our story. Our founder, Mark Berry, built this business not just as a career, but as a mission—overcoming childhood cancer, becoming legally blind, and still mastering the craft of coffee roasting with the help of his family. People connected with that authenticity. Our story made them curious—but it was the quality of our coffee and the purpose behind it that kept them coming back.

We also earned our reputation by focusing on low-acid, full-flavor coffees that are hand-roasted in small batches—a combination that’s hard to find and easy to fall in love with. Whether it’s a signature roast like Nevada Black or Tanner’s, customers know they’re getting something made with care and intention.

And lastly, we built trust by giving back. Supporting childhood cancer foundations and farming communities through our anti-poverty coffees reminded people that buying from Blind Dog isn’t just a transaction—it’s a contribution to something meaningful. That emotional connection, paired with a consistently great product, is what built our name—and continues to grow it.

Any advice for managing a team?

At Blind Dog Coffee, we’ve learned that building a strong team and keeping morale high starts with trust—trust in the people you bring on board, and in the leaders you appoint to guide them.

The best teams thrive when they’re given ownership, not just tasks. That’s why we empower our team to think creatively, work independently, and take pride in their roles. When people feel heard, respected, and supported, they show up with more energy, passion, and purpose. And that shows up in everything—from the quality of the roast to the conversations we have with our customers.

We also believe in trusting appointed leadership and giving space for different voices to shine. Leadership isn’t about micromanaging—it’s about setting a clear vision, then letting your people run with it. When team members are given the freedom to bring new ideas to the table, explore solutions, and make decisions, they feel valued—and morale follows.

High morale is built with transparency, shared wins, a sense of meaning, and mutual respect. We make it a point to remind our team that the work they do matters—whether they’re roasting, bagging, serving, or storytelling. Everyone plays a part in what Blind Dog Coffee stands for.

At the end of the day, a team that’s supported, empowered, and inspired will always give their best—not just for the company, but for each other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blinddogcoffee.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blinddogcoffee
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blinddogcoffeeroasters/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blinddogcoffee8557
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blind-dog-coffee-roastery-gardnerville-2?osq=Coffee+Roasteries