Today we’d like to introduce you to Will Anderson.
Will, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
While on my 3rd trip to Costa Rica (actually considering a move) I met my “now” wife/business partner, Cinthia. We crossed paths in a cafe, ironically. We spent the day together enjoying each other’s company and I ended up extending my trip another day so we could get together again. That began a long distance relationship, which grew quickly and intentionally. Cinthia is the actual creator of Coffee Balam. She was in the early stages of getting the company off the ground and I began offering assistance in matters such as tech and merchandising. After she asked me for the 10th or so time if I wanted to be a legal part of the business, I agreed. Since that time, we have gotten married, she has moved to the states, and we are just entering year 2 of Coffee Balam.
The REAL story is how our mission came about: Cinthia first met Carlos (manager of Coope Pilangosta, where we source 5 of our 6 coffees) at a soccer game. They struck up a conversation and Carlos expressed how he had taken over a coffee co-op in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. His mission was simple, to offer much needed support to the local indigenous community (Matambu), as well as provide funding and resources for the local youth. Cinthia fell in love with Carlos’ mission and a seed was planted. A seed that finally took root in late 2024. Now, Coffee Balam is part of that mission and we additionally contribute 5% of our profits from our “Blue Zone” coffee sales to the Indigenous community’s cultural preservation.
Cinthia and I have already endured many trials in just over a year of running Coffee Balam. However, it’s worth every moment. The “trial by fire” method of learning to be a businessman in his late 40’s is truly a rollercoaster, but our mutual support of one another makes it possible.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have accomplished a lot in a very short time and that has been accompanied by many bumps in the road.
First off, we were faced with tariffs on our first 2 orders coming in from Costa Rica. At that time, they went up to 15%, which meant multiple hundreds of dollars extra for our products, right out of our pockets. That was a devastating blow to a business that didn’t’ even have it’s legs under it yet. We got through it, but it really hurt us.
Another hurdle has been learning to prioritize where it’s most beneficial to focus our efforts. There are plenty of folks out there that drink coffee, but “specialty coffee” isn’t for everyone. We know that, so we work very diligently to narrow our field of view when it comes to our customer base. It obviously takes time and trials to find your audience, but we are becoming more streamlined everyday.
And on a personal note, one of the biggest opportunities for learning is figuring out mine and my wife’s roles in the business, while trying to maintain a healthy marriage. Don’t believe anyone who EVER tells you that they can separate their business dealings from their other relationships. Cinthia and I have both come to the conclusion that that just isn’t possible. But, with that knowledge, I believe we both approach things in a more strategic manor. I won’t lie, it’s hard sometimes, but it’s also the opportunity of a lifetime to get to build a coffee empire with my best friend and lover. We are very blessed to have these problems.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Coffee Balam is ran by myself and my wife, Cinthia. She is the primary owner and founder. We are primarily a Costa Rican specialty coffee company, sourcing our beans from close friends and partners in both the Nicoya Peninsula and the Central Valley of Costa Rica. All of our coffees are specialty rated and we deliver 4 different processes: washed, natural, honey, and our signature “Matambu” anaerobic fermentation, which is accented by the use of indigenous wine, local to our co-op on the Nicoya Peninsula. Our coffee is the ONLY coffee in the world that is grown in a Blue Zone. Blue Zones (only 5 in the world) are areas noted for exceptional health and longevity of its citizens. We like to think our coffee plays a part.
In addition to just coffee, we are one of only three sellers of the Vandola coffee brewer in the entire United States. Each one is handmade by artisans that spend a week completing each piece. Think if a Chemex and a V60 had a wise, distinguished old grandfather. The Vandola is specifically designed to enhance aromas, as well as keep coffee warm longer. All while looking amazing. No two look exactly alike.
We also launched our “Costa Rica Origin Adventures” this year. They are a week long cultural journey to Costa Rica, where travelers get to experience many aspects of what makes Costa Rica so special. Including, but not limited to, staying on the Indigenous Matambu reserve, doing coffee tours, and exploring different ecosystems. Guests travel from mystical cloud forests to relaxing, breathtaking beaches. Our Adventures have it all.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Well, 1.5 years ago I was a federal employee, living a different life. When we started planning for my wife to move to the states, I found out that our agency was offering a 2nd buyout (since they didn’t wipe out enough people on the 1st round), so I started weighing out the pros and cons of staying. I think it was the first time in my life that I really reflected on what I wanted in life, setting the financial part aside. After much discussion, contemplation, and reflection, I decided to leave the job that I once felt secure in to take on a new life with my wife running Coffee Balam. Making this change was a huge risk, but thankfully I’m a little older and have enough perspective to know that I can survive the trials ahead. My wife also greatly contributes to my confidence that we will always find a way. You might say that this was a matter of “following my heart.” I’m here to report that it hasn’t led me wrong and my life is immeasurably more rewarding now than ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coffeebalam.com
- Instagram: coffee_balam_
- Facebook: coffee balam
- Youtube: @CoffeeBalam
