Steve Hawthorne, Vice President - Green Coffee Buyer

   
I started with Stone Creek at the ripe, young age of 16 as a barista at our Oconomowoc store. I actually, "accidentally" got hired. You see, I stopped in every morning on my way to school to get a cup of coffee before class. On one fateful morning, I was flat broke and digging through the seat cushions in my car to try and find enough change for a cup. Coming up empty handed I decided to try and charm the woman behind the counter out of a coffee. She ever so politely declined and then told me that I could have a coffee if I filled out an application. I did and well, the rest is history.

Over  the next 11 years,  I experienced sevaral facets of the company and the coffee industry, ultimately landing in the green coffee sourcing world.  Today, I serve as Stone Creek's Green Coffee Buyer.

My work is primarily focused on finding high quality coffees and build relationships with growers around the world.  I am also tasked with ensuring that the partnerships between Stone Creek and the producers is a sustainable relationship that supports a high quality of life for all people involved in the process.  Finally, I see my role as one of a story teller - sharing the stories of the people that produce our coffee with our employees and customers. 

My wife, Kendra, and I live, work and play right here in Milwaukee with our beautiful daughter, Camille and our ol' hound dog, Jack. We love our city and are happy being a part of this great community.

Sip slowly.