The Idea
BY CHRIS | 3/4/25 | 4 MIN READ
One evening in April 2021, Cam and I were having beer and chicken wings with my wife Alyssa in Baton Rouge, LA. While enjoying the evening, Cam brought up something that caught my attention. He talked about driving through the city and seeing a massive construction company with a few large cranes moving supplies for a huge office building. He asked me, “Have you ever thought about the men or women operating those cranes—the ones literally building America?” Honestly, it wasn’t something I’d thought about much.
He asked me, “Have you ever thought about the men or women operating those cranes—the ones literally building America?”
Honestly, it wasn’t something I’d thought about much.
Cam went on to explain how he felt that the men and women behind the cranes often go unseen. Of course, we all respect and honor those who protect the country, but what about those building it? These hardworking individuals should also be recognized and appreciated.
His words struck a chord with me. He was asking if the people physically constructing America—the ones out there working tirelessly—were truly seen. Then he posed a question that sparked everything: “How can we bring recognition to hardworking Americans with a product they’re already using?”
That’s when the idea hit us. Where does the average American spend their break time at work? The coffee pot. So the concept was born: a coffee company that would honor and recognize the backbone of America—its workers—with high-quality, affordable coffee that everyday people could love and deserve.
A Family Enterprise
In the months leading up to the creation of Backbone Coffee Company, I had been thinking about how to teach my children the value of generational wealth and entrepreneurship. I believed the only way to pass this knowledge on was by starting a business. But after going through the process of starting—and closing—several small businesses, none of which were profitable, I realized something important. I needed an idea that was both original and valuable to the community.
While coffee itself may not be the most “valuable” thing in the world, recognizing and respecting the individuals who dig ditches and do the hard work every day is. For over 20 years, I worked on the decks of commercial fishing boats, chipping and painting freighters, and learning to be a good officer in the Maritime industry. Like many others, I never thought of my work as a sacrifice—it was just what needed to be done.
But in this age of social media, I started to notice that the people who are truly building this country weren’t getting the recognition they deserved. And whether or not you get recognition from a coffee company, you’re still going to wake up early and work your ass off because that’s what your family needs from you. That’s why we want to commend you even more.
While coffee itself may not be the most “valuable” thing in the world, recognizing and respecting the individuals who dig ditches and do the hard work every day is. For over 20 years, I worked on the decks of commercial fishing boats, chipping and painting freighters, and learning to be a good officer in the Maritime industry. Like many others, I never thought of my work as a sacrifice—it was just what needed to be done.
But in this age of social media, I started to notice that the people who are truly building this country weren’t getting the recognition they deserved. And whether or not you get recognition from a coffee company, you’re still going to wake up early and work your ass off because that’s what your family needs from you. That’s why we want to commend you even more.
Our mission is to bring you high-quality coffee at an affordable price, while showing the respect and recognition you deserve.
