HONDURAN COFFEE SERIES
OVIDIO GOMEZ
Ovidio, a native of La Union Lempira, entered the coffee business through his father's ventures in trading and farming. At 19, he moved to Santa Barbara, met his wife, and briefly returned to Lempira before moving back due to limited job opportunities. In 1995, they discovered that an inherited property had been sold. Ovidio worked as a day laborer on coffee farms, earning his father-in-law's trust and, eventually, land. He began planting coffee, including Bourbon varieties, and expanded his farms over the years. Today, Ovidio and his family maintain high-quality coffee production from Las Flores village in Santa Barbara Mountain, a region known for its rich coffee cultivation history.
JORGE CRUZ
From a young age, Jorge has been immersed in the world of coffee, guided by his stepfather who instilled in him a deep passion for the craft. After high school, he worked as a salesperson in various stores. In 2002, using his first savings, he purchased a 1.5-hectare plot from his stepfather and planted it with conventional coffee.
Four years ago, Jorge expanded his venture by acquiring a 1/4-hectare plot in the high mountains (1600 masl) from his cousin and a 3/4-hectare plot from his biological father, creating a 1-hectare farm. He planted this new land with coffee pacas, and from this farm, he now produces exceptional specialty coffee each year.
JOSE SANTOS GONZALES
Jose transitioned from a clothing factory job to coffee farming, inspired by his grandfather. Eight years ago, he purchased land and started a coffee nursery, eventually dedicating himself fully to the farm. Initially struggling with conventional coffee, a friend introduced him to specialty coffee. With support from the San Vicente mill, he began producing micro-lots three years ago, significantly improving his situation.
This is our fourth year purchasing coffee from Jose, who grows Pacas, Catimor, and Geisha on his beautiful plot on Santa Barbara Mountain.
ALEX PONCE
From a young age, Alex learned the art of coffee farming on his father's farm. At 19, he transitioned to working in a clothing factory for nine years. In 2013, he seized an opportunity to buy a property in Cablatas, La Paz, his family's origin. Using his savings, he left the factory and began his coffee farming journey. Today, he lives on the farm with his family, ensuring its success and managing operations in his uncle's absence.
Alex has expanded his drying station this year with additional raised beds, providing more space for drying coffee during cloudy days or with limited sun during the harvest season.
Our Coffee
-
Mundane Magic - Limited Edition: Halloweentown • Honey Process
- Regular price
- $20.00
- Sale price
- $20.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Coffee for the Recently Deceased - Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Blend
- Regular price
- $19.00
- Sale price
- $19.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Meridian (Luna) - Costa Rica • Geisha Anaerobic Natural
- Regular price
- $21.00
- Sale price
- $21.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Meridian (Sol) - Costa Rica • Typica-Geisha Natural
- Regular price
- $21.00
- Sale price
- $21.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Jose Santos Gonzales - Honduras • Pacas Natural
- Regular price
- $20.00
- Sale price
- $20.00
- Unit price
- per
ABOUT US
"QUALITY DOESN'T SHOW UP UNINVITED"
"We work in coffee because we believe it offers opportunities for two of the most rewarding experiences a person can have in life: self-improvement through the mastery of a skill, and fostering relationships with other people. Our aim is to source, roast, and brew the best coffee possible, while sharing that great coffee with great people. We break our aims down further into the three categories that constitute the pillars that make good coffee possible."
Sourcing: Our belief is that the hardest and most important work in the coffee supply chain is done by coffee producers. Like a chef could not create a decent meal with unripe and less than fresh ingredients, roasters, too, are useless without high quality green coffee. We rely on the good people who live where good coffee production is possible and we seek to pay them fair prices for their invaluable part in the supply chain.
Roasting: To us, roasting is a process of translation. To translate the work of the coffee producer into something consumable for the customer. But like any good translation, it must stay true to the authors original intent. So, we aim to minimize roast imbued flavors, and maximize those present already within the bean, just waiting for a door to be opened.
Brewing: Making coffee doesn’t have to be overly complicated and part of our aim is to offer coffees that lend themselves to simple brewing, not needing the stars to align to get a good cup. Still, mastering consistency and having knowledge of variables available to change can minimize the amount of wasted brews. We aim to give our baristas and customers the tools to enjoy as many cups as they brew.
TYLER ST. CLAIR
VICE PRESIDENT OF COFFEE OPERATIONS
Tyler oversees a wide range of responsibilities—from managing the day-to-day operations at the roastery, to designing and maintaining our website, assisting with packaging, inventory, and handling merchandise. His creativity shines through in photography, social media, graphic design, and video production, all of which contribute to our brand’s unique voice.
But what sets Tyler apart is his deep connection to the company’s roots. He's been with us since the very beginning of Stone Tower Brews, starting as a barista and working his way up to head barista, before managing our Buckhannon location. His journey is woven into the fabric of Stone Tower Coffee, and it’s his passion, loyalty, and commitment that have helped shape who we are today. Tyler is more than a leader—he’s a vital part of our story, driving both the vision and the heart of everything we do.
JUSTIN DYNES
Head Of Sales & Director of Education
Justin is, without a doubt, the best employee we've ever had in the customer service space at Stone Tower. His passion for connecting with people and his genuine care for providing an exceptional experience have made him invaluable. Starting as a barista, then head barista, and now working at the Roastery in Fairmont, WV, Justin has been with us since the beginning of Stone Tower Buckhannon, continually raising the bar.
His remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life sets him apart, making every interaction meaningful. Justin doesn't just make coffee—he builds relationships. He’s one of the few who will pick up the phone and personally reach out to ensure that everything runs smoothly. His dedication to customer service and his warm, personable approach have made him an irreplaceable part of our team.
AMELIA SEBOK
Head Roaster
Amelia Sebok is the creative force behind the irresistible flavors at Stone Tower Coffee Roasters. As our dedicated head roaster, Amelia brings a unique blend of expertise and a dash of 'silly haha' to the art of coffee crafting. With a passion for playful experimentation, she infuses each batch with a touch of whimsy, creating coffee experiences that not only tantalize the taste buds but also bring a smile to your face. At Stone Tower, we believe that great coffee should be a delightful adventure, and with Amelia at the helm, every sip is a journey into the joy of the unexpected.
JENNIFER LAFFERRE
PRODUCTION & MAINTENANCE TECH
Jennifer's journey with Stone Tower Coffee is a testament to her drive and commitment. Starting as a barista during the difficult COVID times in Buckhannon, she quickly proved how much she wanted to grow within the company. Her hard work led her to become one of the first head baristas in our brews stores, and she went on to manage our Bridgeport location with the same dedication and passion.
Now, as our Production & Maintenance Technician, Jennifer not only oversees every aspect of cold brew production, but she also supports all of our Stone Tower locations and beyond with regular machine maintenance. Her hands-on approach and deep connection to the company make her an indispensable part of our team, ensuring the quality of our coffee and the smooth operation of everything behind the scenes.
REBEKAH BROWN
Accounting & Administrative Assistant
Rebekah has been with Stone Tower since before it was even Stone Tower—back in the simpler times, it was only The Joe that existed when she began. Her journey with us is one of deep loyalty and passion, having been by our side through every step of growth. Working closely with our President & CEO, James, then manager. Rebekah played a pivotal role in transforming The Joe into what is now the “Home of Stone Tower.”
Starting out as a green bean barista, Rebekah's heart for coffee and her natural abilities in customer service & hospitality quickly became clear. She rose to Head Barista, then manager in Fairmont, guiding the team and helping to build the foundation through COVID times, and into what the company stands for today. Her dedication, care for every detail, and belief in what Stone Tower could become have been essential to our success.
Now, as our Accounting & Administrative Assistant, Rebekah brings the same passion and commitment that fueled our early days to every task she takes on. She is, and always has been, at the heart of Stone Tower.
COURTNEY PAGE
Vice President of Store Operations
Courtney (aka "Q") is the Vice President of Store Operations, and the person behind most of the success of the Stone Tower Brews brand. From managing and growing the social media, organizing events, hiring & managing almost every single member of the staff, designing graphics, customizing nearly everything she touches, and even painting murals on the walls at every STB location, Courtney has played a crucial role in bringing the Brews vibe to life. Her dedication and obsession are unparalleled, making her an invaluable asset as a leader. After years of hard work, her efforts are finally being brought into the spotlight! With Courtney at the forefront of the brand's growth, you can expect nothing but magic in everything she's a part of.
JAMES KANE
President & CEO
James's journey in the coffee industry is nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a Store Manager at Joe n' Throw, he faced the daunting challenge of turning around a struggling business. Through innovative strategies, passion, and determination, James transformed The Joe from a loss-making venture into a thriving establishment within two years.
His success didn't stop there. James's exceptional leadership caught the attention of the partners, leading to his promotion to Chief Operating Officer at Stone Tower Joe. Here, he spearheaded the expansion of not one, but two coffee shops and craft beer restaurants, driving significant growth and profitability.
However, the ambitions didn't end with managing multiple establishments. With a vision for innovation and a passion for quality, he assumed the role of President/CEO at Stone Tower Coffee Roasters. Under his guidance, the Stone Tower brand has flourished, evolving from a single shop to a pioneering chain of four diverse coffee shops and a fully functioning roastery.
James's journey exemplifies the transformative power of effective leadership and strategic vision. His ability to turn adversity into opportunity has not only reshaped businesses but also set new standards of excellence in the industry.
Location
Stone Tower Coffee Roasters
314 Washington Street
Fairmont, West Virginia
(681) 404-4717