Passionate about great coffee, Laura Sweeton started roasting on a stovetop popcorn popper in her homestead kitchen. Encouraged by feedback from friends and neighbors, she left her corporate job of almost 20 years, invested in an upgraded roaster, and thus began Shepherd’s Crook Coffee.
“I sincerely hope you enjoy my coffee, and truly appreciate your support!” ~ Laura
Our Story
In the summer of 2019, after a virtual lifetime of following (more or less) a prescribed lifestyle, Laura and I knew we had to do something different …
What began as a quest for the truth about food and health - a pursuit that had already spanned our two decades of marriage - eventually led to Sunday drives through the area countryside. Then, suddenly this daydreaming started to feel more like a calling and we made a crucial decision to move our family - two kids, a dog, a cat, and a few backyard chickens - to a little house on a handful of acres just north of Springfield, MO.
Though it required some imagination, we began transforming this place into our family homestead. Beyond putting in a garden and adding a variety of animals, we looked for ways to live more purposeful and sustainable. One of the ideas we had was, of all things, to procure and roast our own coffee.
In an effort to further simplify, we began making plans for Laura to leave her corporate job of 20 years. We decided that coffee roasting - a hobby - could perhaps become a side hustle and help us transition to one income. Of course, God had His own plan …
In February of 2021, the day finally came when Laura would clock out for the last time. It was an exciting (and slightly anxious) time for our family. Laura was picking up some celebratory ice cream at the store when she got my text:
“I just got laid off.”
That’s right, folks - the very same day.
Yes … I could have gone out and looked for a similar job. But once we got through the initial shock, it dawned on us what this actually was - an opportunity for something different. Determined to not waste this blessing, we got to work.
As one well-meaning person has put it, we are “building the plane in mid-air”. It’s true that these new ventures have been a tremendous test, perhaps unwise to many. It’s also true that this new (to us) life has overflowed with tremendous blessings. And God’s “bread crumbs” … as a friend describes it … have kept us going …
Through Shepherd’s Crook Coffee, it is our sincere hope that we glorify God, first and foremost, and that we can share His amazing love with others.
Thanks and Blessings,
Greg, Laura, Anna and Isaiah
Our Beans
Certifications can tell you a lot, but they aren't always realistic for the small farmer who likely cannot financially afford to jump through all the regulatory hoops. Whether it's "USDA-certified" or simply a good steward using organic practices, we at Shepherd's Crook Coffee are committed to sourcing only the highest-quality and most responsibly-produced beans available through fair- and direct-trade relationships. That's our Responsi-Bean Promise.