Ty’s Coffee Journey
What began as curiosity in cozy coffeehouse corners evolved into a lifelong exploration of flavor, connection, and craft. Each stop along the way—from Denver to Prescott—shaped not just Ty’s appreciation for coffee, but his belief that every cup can build community and tell a story.
City Tavern
October 5th, 2020
Ty’s first exposure to coffeehouse culture. His brother introduced him to this Denver coffeehouse, where he ordered an amaretto steamer. Coffee wasn’t in his home growing up (except Folgers for Grandma Pauline). He fell in love with the environment of community, books, and friendship—not coffee itself.
Paris on the Platte
(1996)
Stellas Coffee House
(1998)
John Hancock Barbershop
November 24th, 2014
When Ty moved back to Denver, Stellas became his college haunt. Located in a converted bungalow, it was surrounded by restaurants, vintage stores, and more. It was meaningful personally (his wedding rings and tux rental came from that street). Still didn’t drink coffee—he stuck to chai lattes.
City Tavern
October 5th, 2020
Worked opening crew at first Starbucks drive-thru in Lakewood. Learned about Starbucks’ concept of the “Third Place.” Fell in love with creating community: offering 30 seconds of kindness at the drive-thru window. Top in ticket sales because he naturally paired food with coffee choices. Built relationships with construction workers, strippers, even the Colorado Rockies president. Still didn’t enjoy drinking coffee, but learned tasting notes.
Starbucks
(2001)
Estes Park Coffee
(2002)
John Hancock Barbershop
November 24th, 2014
While at Ravencrest Bible School, Ty smelled roasting coffee for the first time. Ordered a Sumatra roast and actually enjoyed coffee for the first time. Drank 13 cups writing a paper—led to his first coffee hangover. Lesson: coffee delights but also needs moderation.
City Tavern
October 5th, 2020
Worked opening crew at first Starbucks drive-thru in Lakewood. Learned about Starbucks’ concept of the “Third Place.” Fell in love with creating community: offering 30 seconds of kindness at the drive-thru window. Top in ticket sales because he naturally paired food with coffee choices. Built relationships with construction workers, strippers, even the Colorado Rockies president. Still didn’t enjoy drinking coffee, but learned tasting notes.
Wild Iris Coffee House
(2012, Prescott)
Grant’s Vision
(2018 – 2020)
John Hancock Barbershop
November 24th, 2014
Friend Grant Quezada asked if Ty would move his “office” to his envisioned coffee shop. Initially skeptical about traffic, but when Founding Fathers Collective opened in 2020 (with Merchant Coffee, barbershop, tavern, gym, speakeasy, cigars, jiu jitsu), moving there was a no-brainer.
City Tavern
October 5th, 2020
Forced to brew at home during pandemic. During Orthodox Lent, gave up cream. Book “The Coffee Lover’s Diet” explained why dark roasts are bitter. Began exploring lighter roasts made to be enjoyed black. Learned brewing methods: Turkish, pour-over, etc. Palate expanded—finally loved coffee black.
COVID & Lent
(2020)
Roasting Journey
(post – 2020)
John Hancock Barbershop
November 24th, 2014
Met Jodenne, a former roaster from Alaska, at Merchant Coffee. Friendship led to inspiration about roasting. They gave him a broken 1986 Sivetz roaster. Ty and his wife dreamed of starting a roastery to support their family (she said, “I can roast coffee!” → Ty said impossible because roasting is precise). Began searching for repeatable, precise roasters → discovered Rubasse in Taiwan. After research and visiting Taiwan, purchased two roasters (3kg Micro Roast Master + 1.2kg Hyper). This transformed passion into reality.
