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January 23, 2025 3 min read

Andrew's Journey to I Prefer Craft Coffee

The Start 

Andrew’s story began as a dedicated electrician who spent every workday climbing ladders, pulling wires, and testing circuits. Though he took pride in his craft, after only eight years, his body began to ache from the physical toll of the job. Andrew knew he needed a long-term change.

As the pressure of “what’s next?” weighed on his shoulders, he decided to take a leap of faith and go back to college. With determination and hope, Andrew enrolled at Rutgers University, where he pursued a degree Labor & Employment Relations with a focus in Diversity & Inclusion—a field he believed could help make the world a more understanding place. Yet, upon graduating, Andrew faced the harsh reality that securing a career in his chosen field wasn’t as straightforward as he’d hoped.

The Pivot

Undeterred, Andrew pivoted once more. Back in 2015, he launched a craft beer glassware company called “I Prefer Craft Beer.” He poured his artistic flair into designing unique glassware that enhanced the taste and aroma of craft brews—something the industry embraced with enthusiasm. For a while, the venture thrived as he helped small breweries provide memorable experiences for their patrons.

But then, as the world reeled from the onset of COVID-19, many breweries shuttered. “I Prefer Craft Beer” suffered alongside them. On top of this blow, Andrew endured a frightening brush with death during a white-water tubing trip. He struck a hidden rock, flipped off his tube, and found himself pinned in a powerful rip current. By some miracle, he survived—both shaken and determined to make the most of every moment.

The 2nd Pivot, Again.

While others might have given up, Andrew saw an opportunity hidden in the rubble. He reached out to the customers who still believed in him, asking them a simple question: If I were to roast specialty coffee, would you be interested? The response was a resounding “Yes!” That single spark fueled Andrew’s next chapter—he was determined to craft an entirely new experience for top coffee lovers.

That’s how I Prefer Craft Coffee was born in 2021. Andrew tapped into his unwavering passion for helping people discover coffee they’d truly adore each morning. He focused on taking the guesswork out of finding that perfect roast, committing to stocking only excellent, professionally Q-graded coffees, roasting with 100% clean hot air, and shipping fresh every business day by noon to ensure peak flavor.

But behind the meticulous roasting process and the quality guarantees lies Andrew’s genuine joy: the personal connection with each and every coffee drinker. He revels in learning about their flavor preferences—whether they lean toward bright, fruity notes or prefer something dark and chocolatey—and delights in guiding them toward a cup that will bring them comfort and happiness.

Even in the face of setbacks, Andrew’s warmth and determination have kept his dreams alive. Today, he stands proud as the owner and operator of a small-batch, high-scoring coffee roasting business, and the support of his customers means more to him than he can ever fully express.

Thank you!

So, from the bottom of Andrew’s heart, thank you for believing in him and helping to foster his dream. Your support of I Prefer Craft Coffee is not just about buying fresh, quality coffee—it’s about sharing in a story of resilience, passion, and the simple joy that comes from finding the perfect cup.