About Us

cru·ci·ble
(kroo-se-bel)
坩堝

1: a ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures.
2 : a situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new.

The crucible represents the heart and soul of innovation and hard work. The kind our ancestors passed down from generation to generation. The kind that drives a passion for craftsmanship and quality. For thousands of years, crucibles—both the vessel and the trial—have forged connections of people and cultures across countries and continents. We believe that great coffee is such a crucible.

Crucible Coffee Roasters was born from a love of coffee, a dedication to our craft, and a deep respect for the hospitality that brings communities together in their local coffee shops. We honor tradition—in both our product and our Southern roots—and we invite you to join us in our relentless pursuit of exceptional coffee and genuine human connection.


  

Brandon, Co-Founder, Crucible Coffee Roasters

Brandon was born and raised in the South: Bristol, Tennessee and Bedford, Virginia are a few of the places he’s called home. From an early age, his coal fieldin’ father instilled in him a sense of hospitality and southern charm.

Brandon started his coffee career as a barista in 2010 and worked his way up to director of development, growing a local business into international markets from Saudi Arabia to Japan. On his first trip to Japan, he was drawn to the cafe culture, in which he recognized the same hospitality and warmth from his Southern upbringing.

“Coffee is the drink that connects cultures and continents, and it has inspired me to build my own brand that will cultivate an environment where more people drop their guards and have conversations with those around them.”
–Brandon

       
Kean, Co-Founder, Crucible Coffee Roasters

Brandon and Kean first met in High School, Kean joined the Army shortly after and went on to complete two tours overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan during his military career.

Following the military, Kean’s first experience working with coffee was as a barista while in college but it wasn’t until working for a large coffee roasting company in Colorado that he developed a fascination with discovering what it takes to make great coffee. Each morning the roasting team would cycle through the cupping lab to taste their work from the previous day. Moving down that long line of cups was an incredible experience of the complexity and potential that each coffee bean, farm and roaster could come together to create.

After a few morning cuppings, Kean knew he had found his calling and set out to learn everything he could about creating and sharing those coffee moments.