Our story

Our story begins in the Dominican Republic at the Spirit Mountain Coffee farm, 350 acres of lush tropical rainforest which provides the perfect canopy for cultivating organic coffee.

Discover more about Spirit Mountain Coffee.

In 2003, together with Jeff Loftsgaarden, our family embarked on a life-changing journey. We purchased a 350-acre coffee plantation that had been in the Lopez family for decades. Taking over the reins, my father, Chad Wallace, led our family on a hands-on adventure, transforming the plantation into a remarkable agro-forestry project. Our vision was to create an immersive educational tourism experience centered around coffee, while also contributing to educational reform.

For us, the essence of our mission is to unite people from all walks of life, instilling hope and using coffee as our shared language. Our primary focus is on producing high-quality coffee in an environmentally sustainable manner, all while respecting the dignity of our dedicated workers. Although our plantation is relatively small compared to others, it has become a gathering place for individuals from every corner of the world, all bound together by a common passion for this humble agricultural product.

We are driven by a deep appreciation for humanity and our place within the natural world. Each of us is like an author, crafting our life story, and we firmly believe that by loving and serving our neighbors, we can illuminate the world with greater brightness. Beneath everything we do lies the unwavering belief that we have the power to create positive change in our world.

The world of specialty coffee has long relied on underdeveloped regions and impoverished farmers who often gain little benefit from the added value brought by roasters and coffee shops. The majority of the profit goes to brokers, leaving the farmers with little influence over pricing. However, the landscape of coffee sourcing has begun to shift with the flattening of global trade and the increasing internet access for farmers. Now, farmers who once couldn't read are learning to navigate the complex realm of marketing their coffee to potential buyers worldwide, leveraging the emerging trend of Direct Trade.

Education is the cornerstone of our background and driving passion. We firmly believe that only through empowering historically oppressed individuals with education and equipping them with the necessary tools can they rise above an unjust status quo. Locally, we have actively supported the revolutionary Doulos Discovery School, which we founded in Jarabacoa.

As consumers become more knowledgeable, the entire coffee supply chain feels the pressure to improve the process of bringing quality coffee from remote tropical mountains to their cups. Farmers are embracing new cultivation and processing techniques. Roasters are traveling to farms, forming genuine friendships with growers, and ultimately offering better prices. These roasters are also refining their craft, making individual adjustments to suit each coffee they offer. Coffee shops have followed suit, perfecting their brewing methods, and a new specialty in the food service industry has emerged—the barista.

Every time we hear a story about a coffee shop or roaster engaging directly with farmers, we feel encouraged. If you are a consumer, please continue to play your part or begin by asking questions at your favorite coffee shop: Do you know your farmer? Have you visited their farm? How are we supporting them? The more we learn about the people who provide us with our morning cup of joe, the more delicious and fulfilling the entire experience becomes.