Our Story
The Beginning
The Z Beans Coffee journey began in the summer of 2016, when Shane Buerster traveled to Zaruma, Ecuador, through the Mercer on Mission study abroad program. There, he met Arturo Peñarreta, the group's tour guide whose passion, generosity, and belief in what is possible left a lasting impact. Arturo not only helped Shane understand the coffee industry in Ecuador—he also patiently taught him Spanish over the phone when Shane returned to the States, opening the door for real relationships to form. Inspired by Arturo’s perseverance and the lack of a profitable supply chain for coffee farmers, Shane and Arturo began laying the foundation for what would soon become Z Beans Coffee: a company built on direct, transparent trade.
After returning to the United States, Shane entered Mercer’s Next Big Idea competition with the vision of creating a coffee company that worked hand-in-hand with farmers, ensuring they received the recognition and income they deserved. With the support of mentors and early believers, Shane returned to Ecuador, traveling farm to farm, meeting with growers, and strengthening the relationships that would define Z Beans. Thanks to Arturo's guidance and introductions, Shane was able to connect deeply with farming communities across Zaruma, Portovelo, and beyond.
Z Beans started humbly—roasting small batches, selling at farmers markets, and personally delivering every order. But it didn’t stay a solo journey for long. A dedicated team quickly formed around the mission, made up of individuals who believed in building something bigger than themselves. Z Beans became a community—a growing family of roasters, baristas, logistics coordinators, and advocates who shared a commitment to transparent trade, quality coffee, and meaningful impact. Today, that team continues to grow, fueled by the same passion that sparked the company’s first humble roasts.
Looking Forward
As the years passed, Z Beans expanded its reach, opening several locations across the Southeast, primarily inside hospitals, where we serve freshly roasted coffee and handcrafted drinks to thousands of customers each day. Our roasting operations grew as well, allowing us to partner with businesses, cafés, and individuals who value quality and integrity. Yet through every chapter, we have remained steadfast in our relationships with farmers—never through brokers or middlemen, but through direct, personal partnerships.
Today, we are proud to source coffee from a network of incredible farmers, including Ramiro Pauta, William Martillo, Diego Jaya, Juan Carlos Acevedo, and many more across southern Ecuador. Our farmer relationships evolve year to year, and even within seasons, as we adapt to the realities of agriculture, climate, and opportunity—always striving to support as many growers as we can, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and trust.
As we look to the future, our vision is simple: expand opportunity, never compromise on transparency, and always stay true to our roots. We believe the best businesses are built on trust—trust with farmers, with teammates, and with customers. With every bean we roast and every cup we pour, we are writing a story of resilience, honesty, and shared success. And we’re just getting started.
