Todd Carmichael

Todd Carmichael, an adventurous co-founder of La Colombe Coffee Roasters known for his endurance feats, teams up with J.P. Iberti, a former barista from France who helped scale the business. They recount their unexpected friendship, sparked at a Seattle concert, and their dream of revolutionizing coffee in the U.S. Discover the challenges they faced, from illegal ventilation fixes in their first roastery to pitching top chefs uninvited. Their journey culminated in the acquisition by Chobani, a testament to their dedication and innovation in the coffee world.

Todd Carmichael and J.P. Iberti, co-founders of La Colombe Coffee Roasters, share their remarkable journey from friends to coffee pioneers. They discuss their dream of elevating coffee quality in the U.S. and the challenges they overcame in establishing their Philadelphia roastery. The duo reflects on the evolution of coffee culture, the importance of sourcing directly from farmers, and how luck intertwines with hard work in their success. Their story is a blend of friendship, resilience, and a passion for great coffee.

Todd Carmichael, founder of La Colombe Coffee Roasters and adventurer, shares insights on the complexities of fatherhood and business. He compares raising teenagers to a solo trek across Antarctica, highlighting the emotional challenges of adopting. The conversation explores how parenting has fueled his entrepreneurial spirit, fostering innovation through his kids’ questions. Todd also emphasizes the value of resilience, open dialogue within families, and the illusion of balancing work and home life as shared struggles among entrepreneurs.