About Us

Unparalleled quality, a human story, and sustainability – that’s our coffee philosophy.

Unparalleled quality. We won’t buy a coffee unless we know that it will inspire you.
A human story. Often times a producer’s story gets lost in the coffee supply chain. It’s our focus to provide a seed to cup experience, honoring everyone involved.
Sustainability. We purchase coffees directly from producers and through brokers who share our goal of making coffee a sustainable commodity. Financially and environmentally, the coffees we purchase seek balance. Premiums paid for quality far exceed fair trade premiums and afford a more sustainable, honest model.

Combine our coffee philosophy and passion for exceptional coffees with our down-home Midwest hospitality and that, in a nutshell, is JBC Coffee Roasters. We can’t wait to share our coffee passion with you.

Named one of the top 25 best coffee roasters in America. ~Gear Patrol, Nov 2019

Named one of the 12 best coffee roasters in the U.S.~Forbes, Dec 2018

2016, 2018, 2020 and 2021 Good Food Award Winners

2016, 2017, 2018, 2019~Numerous Golden Bean North America medals

Multiple 90 plus rated coffees~ Coffee Review

3^rd and 7^th place U.S. Cup Tasters, 10^th place U.S. Brewer’s Cup

Laura Salinger Johnson: C0-Owner

What do you enjoy most about working in the specialty coffee industry? The people (farmer/producers, fellow coffee industry folks, and our customers), the places (traveling to coffee growing regions is a life-changing experience), and the taste (who doesn’t love to drink special and unique coffees each day?)

What is your background? Born and raised in the Minneapolis suburbs, I moved to Madison in the 90s to attend UW-Madison and never left. A writer and editor by trade, I eventually fell in love with the coffee industry and came to work full time at JBC. We have two girls and love our community.

Favorite Quote: “All acts of kindness are lights in the war for justice.” ― Joy Harjo

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? Reading, exploring, traveling, hanging with family and friends.

Rachel Bast: Brand Ambassador

What do you enjoy most about working in the specialty coffee industry? I enjoy being a part of the coffee community. There is always something new to learn from someone. I believe that brewing coffee should be approachable and fun.

What is your background? I’m a graphic designer, illustrator and coffee enthusiast with four years of specialty coffee experience.

Favorite Quote: “It’s through mistakes that you can actually grow. You have to get bad in order to get good. – Paula Scher

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? I enjoy reading, drawing, music/podcasts, hanging out with Toast, my Shiba Inu, and, of course, drinking delicious coffee.

Alison Schommer: Production Manager and Wholesale Educator

What do you enjoy most about working in the specialty coffee industry? There is so much expression and joy! The creativity and passion in the specialty coffee community inspires me everyday.

What is your background? My love for coffee blossomed while I was working as a barista in college. Before joining the JBC team, I managed a busy cafe for five years.

Favorite Quote: “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.” -Rumi

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? I dedicate lots of my time to skating as a jammer with Madison Roller Derby! My world also revolves around my corgi, Zocco, who is named after the espresso machine brand, La Marzocco.

About Us

Michael Johnson: Founder/Q-Grader

Laura Salinger Johnson: C0-Owner

Adam Walsh: Director of Coffee/Q-Grader

Rachel Bast: Brand Ambassador

Alison Schommer: Production Manager and Wholesale Educator

Toffee: Office Dog