THE HANDS THAT BUILT AMERICA
BY CAM MAUK | 3/8/25 | 5 MIN READ
Backbone came to light when I was in Nashville, TN. I saw a crane operator building a city and I wondered "would anyone recognize that guy if he was to walk the streets?"
You may ask "why would anyone recognize him?"
My answer would be "because he's famous."
Guys like him built that city.
With their hands, skills, hard work, determination, and grit. People like that gentleman should be recognized and given credit for what they do on a national scale. I wanted to bring a coffee brand to the world that showcases the true backbone of this country. There are so many jobs out there that are overlooked as "just another job." Without those people who work those jobs, this country would look a whole lot different.
Growing up, where I’m from, most people went to work in an oil or chemical refinery. So it was a lifestyle I’d say. That way of life, that line of work, that class of people. The rough around the edges, but would give you the shirt off their back type. I started in the trades as soon as I was 18. Working on barges along the Mississippi for a chemical plant, alongside many other men and women. My grandfather always drank black coffee, and I would always “try it”. I think it grew on me eventually because I don’t really like my coffee any other way. Growing up and working in the trades, coffee was a necessity.
Not only do these people build cities in this country, but they take your trash to the dump, they make the fuel that goes into your car/generator/lawn mower/toys, the roof over your head, they connect the wires that turn the lights on in your home, they fix your car, they build your car, the list goes on. The best thing about the backbone of America, is no matter what the trade may be, there is a mutual respect between them all because they know how important that job is to their country. They go to work everyday to pay to keep the lights on at home, to put food on the table, and to enjoy their hobbies.
These people see their co-workers if not more than their own families. So, the men and women who work together, become family. It's more than just work to some of us.I've had those mornings where you take a 4 second deep breath before walking out the door for work. "Another day, another dollar" "Get it how you live" "Somebody's gotta do it" "One day, you'll make it" I've had those thoughts. I want Backbone to be more than just a coffee brand.
I want it to be a brand where like minded individuals can relate to each other and when they see our logo, they know that there are many other hard working Americans out there just like them who are waking up before the sun and going to work when the moon is at its highest.
Backbone
will be the coffee for the hard working American.
will be the coffee for the hard working American.
