By Jason

As Susan's husband, I am given the opportunity to watch her behind the reins as she guides Good Grounds Coffee.

What you see from the outside looking in are hours and days of hard work, sweat, and some occasional tears.

While astounding, it has never been a surprise to see what a tremendous work ethic she has. Throughout her childhood, she spent years working on her family’s dairy farm in Wisconsin. Many stories have been shared surrounding waking up early, taking care of chores and cows, going to school, and returning home to do more. However, whenever an opportunity arose to go to a Green Packers game, she never hesitated to go. Not for the team, but for a much-needed and well-deserved break. Nonetheless, it was those early years that molded her into the hardworking woman that she is now.

From the very moment she mentioned that she wanted to start a coffee business, she shared from her heart that it was never for the money. Instead, this would be about giving people the opportunity to have a moment where they can forget what was happening in the world and experience peace.

And, wow! What a time to start such a business! It was 2020, the world was in upheaval because of the Coronavirus Pandemic and she knew deep in her heart, this is what she was supposed to do.

Her determination to find a trailer took many paths, but it ultimately led her to Utah where a barbecue company was wanting to sell theirs. This trailer had good bones but was in need of some tender loving care to make it the business she knew without a doubt it was supposed to be.

She recruited her brother-in-law Jerry, who has always been just as excited about this adventure, to be her handyman. To help keep true to her vision, she hired Peters Interiors to help design the inside of the trailer and then also found the perfect espresso machine through a business in Portland, Black Rabbit Service Co.

That was only the beginning; it was time to roll up her sleeves and get to work with Jerry. For several solid months, they worked day upon day updating the plumbing for the espresso and coffee machine. Updating the sinks to bring them up to code and when the electrical became too much to handle, finding just the right person to make sure all the wiring was perfect.

As the trailer took shape on the inside, she began thinking about the outside. What was she going to name the new business? It was yet to have a name! How would the name and appearance reflect what she wanted to achieve? Alongside brainstorming with someone who specialized in marketing, the name Good Grounds Coffee was born. While it may fit now, she was unsure if this was the right choice. Nevertheless, she stuck with it.

With the help of Gorilla Graphix LLC, the trailer was perfectly wrapped. It was only the beginning, how was it going to look? Well, if you have seen our trailer chances are you have seen the strong mountain above the ground and grass made of coffee beans.

While we were off to a great start, we were far from finished. Our hardworking founder then spent weeks testing coffees from different roasters and inviting friends over for blind taste tests. Finally, the phenomenal espresso beans from Café Mam (pronounced Mom) graced our palettes.

Susan’s passion has shined time and time again as she always keeps the customer in mind. What will they experience? What would they like? Where should the trailer go next? Good Grounds Coffee would love to give you the same feeling Susan found at the Packers game 24/7. A moment of peace with a side of leaving the world’s worries behind.

Good Grounds Coffee would not be possible without Susan’s work ethic. She is determined and she is capable. Being given the chance to watch her build this business from the ground up makes me more proud than ever to be her husband.

So what does the future hold for Good Grounds Coffee? Quite often we find ourselves asking this question but then remember, it has only been a few months. However…

Good Grounds Coffee has a bright future and we invite you to be a part of it.

Come by and say hi to our proud owner as she works the espresso machine! She would love to share her passions and vision for Good Grounds Coffee as you sip away your worries while also enjoying a sweet treat from our baker at Crumble & Glaze .