About Us

Unparalleled quality, a human story, and sustainability – that’s our coffee philosophy.

Unparalleled quality. We won’t buy a coffee unless we know that it will inspire you.
A human story. Often times a producer’s story gets lost in the coffee supply chain. It’s our focus to provide a seed to cup experience, honoring everyone involved.
Sustainability. We purchase sustainable coffees directly from producers and through brokers who share our goal of making coffee a sustainable commodity. Financially and environmentally, the coffees we purchase seek balance.

Combine our coffee philosophy and passion for exceptional coffees with our down-home Midwest hospitality and that, in a nutshell, is JBC Coffee Roasters. We are 50% women-owned and dedicated to an amazing cup. We can’t wait to share our coffee passion with you.

One of 28 Best Coffee Roasters in America 2022 ~Gear Patrol, September 2022

Five Time Good Food Award Winners (2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022)

One of the 12 best coffee roasters in the U.S.~Forbes, Dec 2018

Over 340 90 plus rated coffees ~Coffee Review

5th place Roaster's Choice Championship, 3^rd and 7^th place U.S. Cup Tasters, 10^th place U.S. Brewer’s Cup ~SCA

Laura Salinger Johnson: C0-Owner

What do you enjoy most about working in the specialty coffee industry? The people (farmer/producers, fellow coffee industry folks, and our customers), the places (traveling to coffee growing regions is a life-changing experience), and tasting (who doesn’t love to drink special and unique coffees each day?)

What is your background? Born and raised in the Minneapolis suburbs, I moved to Madison in the 90s to attend UW-Madison and never left. A writer and editor by trade, I eventually fell in love with the coffee industry and came to work full time at JBC. We have two girls and love our community.

Favorite Quote: "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."-Robert Frost

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? Reading, exploring, traveling, hanging with family and friends.

Sam Munger: Head Roaster & Green Buyer

What do you enjoy most about working in the specialty coffee industry? The relationships. Getting to meet other people in the industry, share experiences, and learn over a cup of great coffee is super rewarding and enjoyable.

What is your background? Music! I was a performer and was going into studying musical theatre professionally, but got sucked into coffee instead!

Favorite Quote: "Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience : this is the ideal life." - Mark Twain

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? I play guitar, cook, and drink a bunch of coffee! I also collect houseplants (that I usually don't have space for).

Wade Woodbury: General Manager & Coffee Educator

What do you enjoy most about working in the specialty coffee industry? What makes specialty coffee so fascinating to me is the amount of science, art, and craftsmanship that go into a good cup: from farming, to roasting, to brewing. I also enjoy sharing knowledge, experience, and good coffee with other professionals and enthusiasts!

What is your background? I have a pretty diverse background working in restaurants and specialty sales. I was working in sales leadership when I started learning how to brew espresso at home, which is what sent me spiraling down the rabbit hole that is specialty coffee. I eventually decided I wanted to explore working in coffee as a career, and I went on to manage two cafes before coming to JBC!

Favorite Quote: “Life doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be lived.”

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? I spend most of my time with my fiancée and my dog. I still do a lot with coffee at home as a hobby, but I also enjoy playing guitar, cooking (and eating), and traveling!

Gressa Olson: Brand Ambassador/Graphic Designer

What do you enjoy most about working in the specialty coffee industry? The amazing coffee, as well as the inspiring people I have already met. I think coffee is a beautiful way to unify family, friends, and even complete strangers! To experience that in my everyday life and work is very special.

What is your background? I am a recent Fine Arts graduate who survived a busy student-athlete schedule with the help of lots of coffee. With my love for the good stuff and my passion for art, I am looking forward to learning all I can about the specialty coffee industry and adding my creativity and enthusiasm to the community!

Favorite Quote: “Well, there is magic all around you…” – Stevie Nicks, Rooms on Fire

What do you enjoy doing when you're not working? I love to spend time with my twin sister drinking coffee, I am always crafting or crocheting (currently working on a big sweater but it looks like I might miss my winter deadline, oops!), and you can usually catch me watching Dr. Phil as I’m creating. I love to play soccer still and keep up with all kinds of sports and teams.

Haley Johnson: Wholesale Coordinator

What do you enjoy most about working in the specialty coffee industry? I love getting to try so many fabulous coffees so frequently.

What is your background? I am the owners' daughter, so I have grown up around coffee my entire life. I recently graduated from UW Madison with a BS in dance.

Favorite Quote: "Take your work seriously, but never yourself." - Margot Fonteyn

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? I love to spend time with my friends and family, camp, and read.

Zoe Flynn: Production Team Member

What do you enjoy most about working in the specialty coffee industry? Drinking amazing coffee with like-minded people and absorbing all the coffee knowledge from my wonderful coworkers.

What is your background? Traveler and life long learner. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and enjoy immersing myself in opportunities that pique my interest.

Favorite Quote: "So long and thanks for all the fish" - Douglas Adams

What do you enjoy doing when you're not working? Playing with my 2 cats, badminton, thrifting, exploring, and hanging out with friends and family.