03/27/2025
Flying to LA this morning and spotted Stumptown Coffee being served on the flight.
It took me back — I remember visiting Stumptown when it was still just a small Portland roaster, with founder Duane Sorenson behind the scenes, focused on nothing but great coffee and real relationships with farmers.
Duane started Stumptown in 1999, determined to do things differently — direct trade, premium quality, and staying true to the craft. By 2008, it still felt like a hidden gem, a place for coffee lovers, creatives, and makers. Eventually, it grew into a national icon, and by 2015, it was acquired by Peet’s Coffee. Duane went on to open other businesses — always creating, always passionate.
Seeing their name on a plane today reminded me — small beginnings matter. You never know where your dream might take you. But honestly? The real win isn’t the size — it’s staying true to your craft and calling.
So to all my small business friends, artists, and makers — keep going.
The dream itself is the goal.
