Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Colclough.
Hi Ken, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, the whole “coffee obsession” thing started back in 2014 on a “Whirlypop” popcorn popper. I found a source for green unroasted coffee beans and decided to give it a try!
Next thing I knew I discovered how easy and satisfying freshly roasted coffee can be. I was strictly roasting for my family when a friend of mine asked if I would be willing to sell some. Of course! I had my first customer! After that word got around and here I am.
I used the Whirlypop for a while until the demand became too much. Now, seven years and five roasters later, I finally have a roaster that can accommodate the current demand of my regular customers plus the new folks I’ve picked up at the local farmers market.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been mostly a pretty smooth ride.
The main obstacles I’ve had to overcome are mainly the issues of running a business. Having never run a business before I was pretty green. It’s kind of been a “learn as you go” process for me.
I enrolled in a course for business “dreamers” that was immensely helpful in learning the aspects of running a small business which really helped a lot.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My background is in plumbing supply of all things. I’ve worked in the small supply house environment for around 26 years which is where most of my knowledge lies.
I did actual plumbing work for about seven months and decided quickly that it wasn’t for me! Currently, I’m employed as a part-time associate at Home Depot to give me time to keep up with my “side work!” I think I’m most proud of the fact that the coffee business is really taking off way more than I ever dreamed it would.
I think what sets me apart from others is my passion for producing a great cup of coffee and hearing that people really really enjoy it – it does amazing things for my ego!
What do you think about luck?
I don’t feel lucky much at all-it’s been mostly perseverance! I do my best to provide the best whether it’s a great cup of coffee or doing my best to satisfy my customer base whether it’s roasting beans or selling deck packages!
Pricing:
- $12.00 dollars per 12oz bag.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: kcroastersofmurvel
- Facebook: KC Roasters of Maryville
Image Credits
Valerie Colclough and Ken Colclough
