“Everything in the world is about how you're connecting to other people.” —Wade Johnson

From the women farmers cultivating coffee beans in remote regions to the baristas crafting specialty drinks in bustling cafes, coffee brings people together. But more than an everyday beverage, coffee also offers cultural and economic significance. It provides livelihoods for millions while fueling creative and business endeavors. However, coffee production faces growing threats from climate change and fluctuating prices.

Exploradora Coffee is a socially conscious coffee roaster co-founded by Wade Johnson, her mother Alison, and her sister, Hollis. By exclusively sourcing from women farmers and reinvesting in programs for coffee growers, Exploradora Coffee promotes food security as well as economic and social empowerment. The family-run business strives to uplift women coffee producers while securing a sustainable future for this culturally and economically significant crop.

Listen in as Justine and Wade open up about their experiences in navigating family business dynamics and growth strategies, the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and creating efficient tools and processes, the impact of regenerative agriculture practices and building long-term relationships with coffee farms, Exploradora’s future growth plans, and more.

Meet Wade:

Wade Johnson is the co-founder of Exploradora Coffee, a coffee roastery that sources exclusively from women farmers around the world. With a background in politics, executive recruiting, and coffee, Wade brings diverse experience to building Exploradora Coffee. Wade is passionate about empowering women in coffee-producing countries and donates company proceeds to support mothers through the Springboard to Opportunities nonprofit. Under Wade's leadership, Exploradora Coffee has expanded its restaurant and cafe partnerships while committing to long-term relationships with coffee farms. When not running the day-to-day operations of Exploradora Coffee, Wade enjoys mentoring other entrepreneurs and advocating for sustainable agricultural practices like regenerative farming.

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Episode Highlights:

01:35 Building a Family-Owned Roastery

09:08 Empowering Women in Coffee Production

15:46 Evolving Leadership Roles

19:31 Giving Back as Entrepreneurs

26:16 How Regen Ag Impacts Coffee Production