We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dane Anderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dane, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
The mission of Homegrown Coffee Co. is deeply rooted in our personal experiences and values. Our journey began with a shared passion for the simple joys in life: the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the warmth of a genuine connection, and the beauty of moments spent with others. We wanted to create a business that not only serves exceptional coffee but also cultivates an atmosphere where people can truly connect and celebrate life’s moments together.
Dane’s background in Agriculture Science and Caitlin’s experience in photography inspired us to create a service that blends craftsmanship with creativity. We believe that coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a catalyst for conversation, a bridge between people, and a source of comfort and inspiration. Our mission reflects our belief in community, sustainability, and the power of human connection.
Every event we cater is an opportunity to bring people together, to create a warm and welcoming space, and to be a part of something meaningful. We are driven by the joy of seeing people gather around our coffee cart, sharing stories, laughter, and moments that matter. This mission is meaningful to us because it represents who we are, what we love, and the positive impact we want to have on the communities we serve.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Homegrown Coffee Co. is a labor of love founded by my wife Caitlin and me, Dane. Our story began with a deep appreciation for quality coffee, community, and craftsmanship. Growing up, we both had a natural connection to agriculture and creativity—I pursued a Master’s in Agriculture Science, and Caitlin developed her talent for photography by attaining her BFA in Creative Photography. Together, we decided to blend our individual passions into a business that not only provides delicious coffee but also creates meaningful experiences for our clients.
We started Homegrown Coffee Co. as a mobile coffee cart with the vision of bringing artisanal coffee directly to events where people gather and celebrate. We provide a range of handcrafted coffee drinks—from classic espresso to unique signature beverages like our Banana Bread Chai Latte. Our mobile setup includes a beautifully crafted white coffee cart, outfitted with state-of-the-art Italian espresso equipment, including a La Marzocco espresso machine. Caitlin’s photography also plays a role in our services, capturing the essence of special moments during events to create lasting memories.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and the atmosphere we create at every event we serve. We don’t just provide coffee; we provide an experience. Our approach is rooted in creating a space where people can feel comfortable, enjoy a delicious drink, and have meaningful conversations. We focus on quality—not just in our coffee but also in the relationships we build with our clients and the memories we help make. Our goal is to leave every guest with a sense of connection and warmth, as well as a smile that comes from enjoying something truly special.
One of the things I am most proud of is how our work resonates with people. We’ve been fortunate to serve at a wide variety of events—from weddings and corporate gatherings to community yoga sessions. Seeing guests line up for seconds and thirds, witnessing their enjoyment of our unique flavors, and hearing their kind feedback makes all the hard work worthwhile. We’ve received wonderful Google reviews that praise not only our coffee but also the atmosphere we create, and those moments are a testament to our mission.
If there’s one thing we want people to know about Homegrown Coffee Co., it’s that we are more than just a coffee service. We are a team that loves what we do, and we want our passion for community, creativity, and coffee to shine through in every cup we serve. We love bringing people together and making their celebrations just a bit sweeter with the warmth of a beautifully brewed drink. Whether it’s a large wedding, a private celebration, or a yoga session at sunrise, we pour our hearts into every detail to create a memorable experience.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
The story of how I met my business partner, who also happens to be my incredible wife Caitlin, is one filled with unforgettable moments, surprises, and a bit of chaos—the kind that makes for the best kind of love story. I first set eyes on Caitlin as she walked through the parking lot of Yard House. There was something about her that stopped me in my tracks; we locked eyes, and in that moment, I was literally speechless. From that first encounter to our first date, we began writing a story together that would change both of our lives.
We shared countless novels, spontaneous adventures, and weekends spent exploring new places as we got to know each other. Eventually, I knew it was time to take the next step—to propose to Caitlin. But of course, nothing about our story could be too straightforward. I had planned what I thought was the perfect, romantic proposal during a weekend in Temecula that Caitlin was spending with my family for my mom’s birthday. I chose that particular weekend so Caitlin wouldn’t get suspicious, but Mother Nature had other plans.
The proposal I envisioned included a beautiful, scenic carriage ride through a winery, where I had arranged for my family to set up a romantic spot where I would pop the question. As fate would have it, Temecula was hit with a sudden downpour—not just any rain, but a monsoon-level storm with thunderstorms rolling in. While I was at work teaching my high school class, I received a call that the carriage ride was canceled due to the weather. It felt like everything was falling apart. To add to the chaos, while I was still at work, anxiously trying to salvage my plan, I got another call: my family was being evacuated from the Airbnb due to nearby fires. At that point, I was overwhelmed, but my amazing family refused to let the moment be lost.
They took all of the decorations and setup that I had planned and recreated it in the backyard of our Airbnb—and, against all odds, it worked out beautifully. When I finally arrived, I was met with a backyard that had been transformed, and there, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, Caitlin said yes. It was a moment that was perfectly imperfect, and one that I wouldn’t change for the world. Nearly a year later, we got married in Yosemite, surrounded by towering trees and the serenity of nature. Our wedding was small, intimate, and held outdoors in the forest—a perfect setting for two people who love nature and the outdoors.
Combining our passions into one company, Homegrown Coffee Co., has been a dream come true. Caitlin and I share a love for quality coffee, nature, and creating meaningful experiences. Caitlin’s talent for photography and my background in agriculture and coffee have allowed us to craft something truly unique—a mobile coffee cart that serves not just drinks but also the kind of atmosphere that brings people together. One of our most popular drinks, the Banana Bread Chai, was inspired by our wedding venue, and it has become a favorite among our guests. We pour our love for each other and our passions into every cup we serve, and we hope that people can feel that whenever they experience Homegrown Coffee Co.
We want our clients and readers to know that Homegrown Coffee Co. is a family endeavor, built on love, adventure, and resilience. From overcoming obstacles to planning a marriage proposal to navigating the ups and downs of running a business, our journey has shaped the kind of service we provide today. We hope that by sharing our story, others will see the genuine love and dedication behind our brand. We’re not just a coffee cart—we’re a story of love, partnership, and a shared dream brought to life.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story that perfectly illustrates our resilience is an experience Caitlin and I went through while driving up to Colorado for a camping trip. At the time, Caitlin was my girlfriend, and we were incredibly excited about the adventure ahead. We had just purchased a trailer—a trailer that meant the world to me. Growing up in a lower middle-class family, owning something like this was a dream I never thought would come true. It was my first major purchase, and Caitlin and I worked tirelessly to decorate and upgrade it ourselves. I was so proud of it that I often slept in it, preferring the comfort of the queen-sized mattress over my single bed at home. To me, that trailer represented more than just a possession; it was proof that if you work hard enough, you can attain your dreams.
Caitlin and I headed out first, planning to meet our friends later at the camp. Since we were pulling the trailer, it would take us far longer to make the journey. After driving for about six or seven hours, Caitlin offered to take over the wheel so I could rest. We were several hours into Colorado when a massive windstorm suddenly appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. A powerful gust of wind hit us, and before we knew it, we had lost control. The truck and trailer rolled three times before finally coming to a stop. It all happened so fast, yet felt like an eternity. Miraculously, despite being shaken and scared, we both walked out of the overturned truck and trailer without a scratch.
The trailer—the one I had worked so hard to purchase and loved so much—was completely destroyed. It was a devastating loss, and we were left feeling heartbroken. That trailer symbolized so much for me: my hard work, my perseverance, and my dream of camping and exploring. Losing it was like losing a piece of myself. But amidst the wreckage, as I looked at Caitlin, I realized something far more important. The most valuable thing in my life wasn’t the trailer—it was the woman sitting next to me. We had survived, and that was all that truly mattered.
Our family raced several hours to pick us up, stranded in Colorado. On the way home, we were desolate and sad, but also incredibly grateful to have each other. I remember a song coming on in my cousin’s truck as we drove—”Forever and Ever, Amen.” I sang it to Caitlin, letting her know that I wasn’t going anywhere, that we were in this together, and that I was going to love her no matter what. That song has been ours ever since that day, nearly three years ago. It reminds us of our resilience, our love, and the fact that, no matter what life throws our way, we have each other.
Although the loss of our trailer was and still is hard, it also showed us what truly matters. Together, we are working to rebuild our future and make our dream of owning an RV and camping again a reality. The experience taught me that, while possessions can be lost, love and partnership are what truly endure. Caitlin and I are a team, and we know that as long as we have each other, we can get through anything. That resilience—the ability to face loss, adapt, and keep moving forward—is something we carry with us every day, especially in running Homegrown Coffee Co. Life may be unpredictable, but with Caitlin by my side, I know we can handle whatever comes our way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.homegrowncoffeeco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrown_coffee_co?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Image Credits
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