Grown by Farmers, Roasted by Us, Brewed by You-Marta Sprague

Team Subkit -

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marta Sprague, owner of Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters, located in Dallas, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters is a small-batch coffee roaster that focuses on ethical trade, coffee education, and being supportive members of our local community. Our customers range from coffee aficionados, people (like us) who nerd out on coffee, folks just starting to get into specialty coffee, those who love local foods and small businesses, and the person that just wants a good cup of coffee.

Tell us about yourself

One year, I gave my husband (then boyfriend) a coffee roaster as a birthday gift. From that grew an interest (read "obsession") in everything coffee. Soon we were taking trips to visit roasters around the US, reading about coffee, learning about sourcing, processing, you name it. In 2010, we both lost our jobs during the recession. From that pivotal moment, Noble Coyote was born. We are motivated by the love of coffee, learning, and our community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There are several biggest accomplishments. Paying farmers fairly for coffee, taking care of our team, giving back to our community, and gaining national recognition for roasting outstanding coffees (thanks to the farmers that grow them). Throughout the life of our business, we have consistently paid well above fair trade minimums for the coffees that we offer, thereby better supporting farmers. We also pay our employees a living wage and offer a range of benefits that include vacation days, health insurance, and retirement plans. We donate time, resources, and funds to local community programs that affect change. Additionally, our coffees have won awards and continue to be recognized in national competitions such as the Good Food Awards.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Finding time to really relax and turn off the business switch in my brain.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be patient and open-minded.
  2. Treat yourself and others kindly.
  3. Don't get bogged down in what others are doing. Stay positive and focused on your goals.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.noblecoyotecoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noblecoyotecoffeeroasters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noblecoyotecoffee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/noblecoyote

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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