Using his knowledge of the beverage industry, Kevin Hartley created a product that not only is better for the environment, but it also tastes great, and gives money back to coffee farming families. Today, we are joined by Kevin from Cambio Roasters to learn all about his product and how to enter into the environmentally sustainable side of business. Kevin tells us about how Cambio Roasters was started, how it currently runs, and how they are addressing single use plastics along with common environmental concerns within the beverage industry. He talks about how much capital is available for “better for you, better for the world” products and how that can benefit entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn more! 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [5:23] Kevin tells us about his background and experience in the beverage industry.
• [8:48] How did Kevin’s company, Cambio Roasters, come about? 
• [10:58] Is a patent owned by Keurig and do they allow other companies to use the “K-cup”?
• [12:32] What is the unique difference between Cambio Roasters vs. other companies making K-cups?
• [14:42] How is Cambio Roasters run (distribution, employees, etc)? 
• [17:25] Kevin addresses the single use plastics and environmental concerns, and how Cambio Roasters are addressing this.
• [21:33] What is the difference in the leadership capacity to attract energy on the consumer and the team building side?
• [24:02] How does environmentally friendly and sustainable activities affect the bottom line of Cambio Roasters?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [20:16] Only about 8 percent of plastics that are in our curbside recycling in the US end up in another product. 
• [24:33] If the claims you make about your business are transparently true, a large percentage of consumers are willing to pay 5, 10, 20% more for a product.
• [29:09] For aspiring entrepreneurs, there’s drastically more capital looking for “better for you and better for the world” ideas than there are investment opportunities, so that is a big void that can be filled.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Cambio Roasters Website

Email: [email protected] or [email protected] 

BIO

After decades of executive roles at large corporations, including nearly a decade as the Chief Innovation Officer at Keurig®, I was ready to transition to creating companies that are driven to do good by doing good. I love the notion of using business to solve some of the huge problems the planet and its people face. So I started Cambio Roasters®, pouring my creative energy, passion and instincts into this challenge. I believe we've created a pretty special small business that we hope you'll like. I'm thankful to have a driving range in walking distance, where I enjoy my frequent "coffee breaks." If I'm not there, then I'm probably spending time with my three kids, who round out the rest of my world. (Or Ann will know where I am. 🙂)