Today we’d like to introduce you to Cary Sanders’.
Hi Cary, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
What began as curiosity and intrigue quickly turned into passion and drive. While roasting coffee one very small batch at a time in the garage (to supplement mine and my wife’s consumption), I shared with friends and family. They promptly informed me that I should start selling this brown gem because Murfreesboro needed better coffee. This was over ten years ago, before the national chain drive-thrus and pull-arounds invaded our once small town. Bag by bag and Saturday by Saturday at the Murfreesboro Saturday Market on the Square, we have grown into a recognizable brand that now sells fresh roasted coffee locally in shops, online, by monthly subscription, and yes… still at the farmer’s market!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Aside from customer acquisition, generating sales, etc., one of the most difficult things about turning coffee into a business was already having a family of five. Giving up a solid job, and the benefits to go with it, was very tempting, but did not make sense. As much as wanted to follow my passion and do what I loved, I had to go at things a little slower, and let God say, “Not yet…” So on January 4, 2025 He said it was time. Running all parts of a full time business is difficult, but fulfilling. I’m learning the ins-and-outs of bookkeeping, tracking, logistics, and everything else, while yearning to get back on the roaster!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do consider myself a creative! Coffee cannot roast itself, and what I do with it is create something beautiful. There is an absolute science behind coffee roasting, but there’s definitely an art to it as well. In my past professional life I was a cartographer, and I always told people that was the art and science of making maps. So I’ve carried the attention to detail required in map making over to roasting coffee, and I think it shows in every batch. Roasting our direct trade specialty coffees on an American-made, electric, hot air roaster sets us apart from the majority of coffee roasters in the area. These machines are becoming more popular, but industry standard is still the traditional gas-fired drum roaster. Our roasts are eco-friendly, smooth, and present (dare I say) a slightly cleaner tasting coffee, one that’s never bitter.
What makes you happy?
I enjoying spending time with my beautiful wife, three teenage kids, and my church family. Being productive around the house, revisiting the old skateboard after too many years, and of course roasting coffee, are all things that make me happy!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sandersbroscoffee.com
- Instagram: @sandersbroscoffee
- Facebook: @sandersbroscoffee
