Meet Stephanie / Bryce Wein

We recently connected with Stephanie / Bryce Wein and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Stephanie / Bryce with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

Well, we both developed our work ethic from very similar foundations. From an early age, we were driven to become the best versions of ourselves, as it was an unwritten rule in both of our homes that if we weren’t at school, we should be working or participating in sports. This instilled in us a deep appreciation for the value of hard work.

Another significant influence on our work ethic was our service in the United States Navy. Both of us enlisted in 2017 and found our place in the Naval Aviation community. As helicopter crewmen, we faced numerous challenges and milestones before we were ready to fly and become integral members of our team. Our training was extensive, encompassing both physical and mental demands. We spent countless hours studying, building physical endurance, and engaging in hands-on preparation. The message was clear: work hard, or you won’t fly. Although some days felt endless, the reward at the end was all the sweeter because of our relentless efforts.

Today, we apply the same mindset to our current endeavors, and it remains our greatest asset. The discipline and determination we cultivated through our upbringing and military service continue to drive us forward, helping us achieve our goals and exceed expectations in everything we do.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

OUR COMPANY’S MISSION

Pinup Coffee Co. is a specialty coffee roaster driven by passion and integrity. Our mission is to bring people together over great coffee, from the farmers to the drinkers, and eliminate the notion of exclusivity surrounding incredible coffee.

At Pinup Coffee Co., we take the time to source high-quality specialty coffee, understand how it was grown, and roast it to uncover its unique qualities. Starting with high-quality green coffee is the only way to create stellar roasted coffee for you to brew at home.

We craft our coffees with you in mind, finding specialty coffees that fit your tastes, knowing that there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to our morning cups. Coffee is a widely consumed drink, and it should be celebrated as being uniquely yours. You can taste different roast levels and flavor profiles that you enjoy, and do it with style!

Our coffees are analyzed, tested, and roasted to ensure that we bring out the best of what each lot has to offer. We are reminded that what we drink daily can – and should be – better for all.

Coffee blends to fall in love with, single origins to explore, and limited-release coffees to celebrate. Hand-crafting coffees for all to enjoy is the foundation of Pinup Coffee Co.

The vision of our coffee company was formulated long ago by founder, co-owner, and roaster, Stephanie Wein. All it took was a frozen, ultra-sweet coffee drink in the early 2000s to spark a love and passion for all things coffee. Inspiration came from the era of vibrant, tattoo-style pin-ups and the strength and freedom that motivated that art; we want to bring that feeling of camaraderie and openness to coffee.

Working with a local cider company in the Pacific Northwest for six years inspired a passion for all things craft and a respect for locally made products throughout the community. We learned that when you respect the ingredients, the process, and strive to be transparent about your products, it promotes connection and relationships throughout the chain.

After serving in the US Navy for six years (with a coffee always in hand) and trying several locally roasted coffees at home, the vision of Pinup Coffee Co. came to fruition. Bryce Wein, co-founder, eagerly joined the journey, bringing his own passion and energy to the table. Bryce’s commitment to excellence and his love for the craft have been instrumental in shaping our company’s path. His dedication to creating an exceptional coffee experience for our customers has fueled our growth and inspired our team. Together, we have turned a shared dream into a thriving reality, thanks to the unwavering support of family, friends, and the enthusiastic Pinup Coffee community.

Our coffee company now thrives with the same name, vision, and passion that was created 16 years ago. We implement constant research, experimentation, and industry involvement to grow our craft. Today, our coffees are small-batch roasted on a Probat P12 by Specialty Coffee Association-trained roasters, who are experts at unlocking the flavor potential of each coffee. Pinup Coffee Co. is a member of the SCA and the Coffee Roaster’s Guild.

PINUP COFFEE CO. IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY NAVY VETERANS

We know what it’s like to face the unknown and persevere through challenging situations. We spent months away from our families and friends, which makes us appreciate what’s truly important. Our coffee company lives by these same values of openness and appreciation. We believe that it’s been too long since we’ve all celebrated art, each other, and exceptional coffee.

Check out our blends, their names inspired by actual WWII aircraft pin-up art! The vibrant culture of the era inspires us to keep looking forward because the good stuff is always waiting at home.

The ethos of craft, specialty coffee exploration, and better-for-all values are what drive Pinup Coffee Co. today and into the future. Life is just too short for stale coffee.

We are excited to be constantly growing on our coffee roasting front. Our passion for finding and roasting the best coffee beans in the world drives us to innovate and refine our techniques continually. Each batch we roast is a new opportunity to perfect our craft and deliver an unparalleled coffee experience to our customers.

In addition to our roasting operations, we are incredibly thrilled about the growth of our recently opened first café. This café represents a significant milestone for us, a physical space where our community can gather, enjoy our carefully crafted coffees, and experience the warmth and camaraderie that define Pinup Coffee Co. The café is more than just a place to get a great cup of coffee; it’s a celebration of our journey, our values, and our commitment to excellence. It serves as a hub for coffee lovers to connect, share stories, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture that inspires us. We are dedicated to making our café a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone feels at home and can appreciate the art and science of exceptional coffee. The opening of this café marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Pinup Coffee Co., and we look forward to sharing many more cups of extraordinary coffee with our community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in our journey were preparation, diligence, and openness to adapt. These qualities not only shaped our business but also guided us through various challenges and opportunities.

Preparation

Preparation has been a cornerstone of our success. We believe in thoroughly preparing for any endeavor we undertake. We never enter a new scenario without a deep understanding of what lies ahead. When we first started, Stephanie read every coffee roasting book, every coffee science book, and every business book she could find. She even had them shipped to Korea during her last deployment. This relentless quest for knowledge has continued to serve us well with each step of our growth. Being well-prepared means we can approach new challenges with confidence and clarity, ensuring that we make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve. For those starting their journey, our advice is to immerse yourself in learning. Gather as much knowledge as you can about your field, seek out resources, and never stop educating yourself.

Diligence

We believe that excellence is in the details. We do not do things halfway; we are diligent in everything we do because the way you handle the small tasks reflects in the larger picture. Our customers love the coffee we provide because it is the culmination of countless small, carefully executed steps. Each day, we attend to these details with care and precision. This diligence ensures that every cup of coffee we serve meets the high standards we set for ourselves. For those early in their journey, we recommend focusing on the small things with the same intensity as the big projects. Consistent, diligent effort in the minor aspects of your work will build a strong foundation for long-term success.

Openness to Adapt

In business, as in life, not everything goes as planned. Despite all the preparation and diligence, unexpected challenges will arise. The ability to adapt and change direction when necessary has been crucial for us. Being open to new opportunities and willing to step out of our comfort zone has allowed us to navigate obstacles and seize new possibilities. Adaptability means being flexible and resilient, ready to pivot when circumstances demand. Our advice for those starting out is to embrace change and remain open to trying new things. Growth often comes from the most uncomfortable and unexpected experiences, so don’t shy away from them.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

By far, our mentors have been the most instrumental in helping us overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed for success. We have sought out mentors in every facet of our business. General business mentors have provided us with invaluable advice on running and growing a company, helping us navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Stephanie has specifically benefited from coffee roasting mentors, who have shared their expertise and guided her in mastering the craft of roasting. These mentors have been crucial in refining our techniques and ensuring that we produce the highest quality coffee.

Additionally, we have mentors outside of our field who we consider “co-mentors.” These are fellow small business owners with whom we trade ideas and support each other’s growth. This collaborative approach has been incredibly beneficial, as it allows us to gain diverse perspectives and insights that we might not have considered otherwise. The mutual exchange of knowledge and experiences has strengthened our business strategies and helped us innovate.

Mentors don’t always have to come in physical form, however. We have found great mentors in the authors who have written extensively about their knowledge and experiences. Books on business, coffee science, and roasting techniques have been invaluable resources. These written works have allowed us to learn from the best minds in the industry, even if we have never met them in person. The insights and guidance found in these books have played a significant role in our development and success.

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