499: Founder Friday! w/ Kenzel and Tio Fallen of Three Keys Coffee, Houston, TX

Today on Founder Friday are exploring the story of Three Keys Coffee in a wonderful conversation with the founders, Kenzel and Tio Fallen!

Kenzel Fallen is Co-Founder and CEO of Three Keys Coffee. Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Kenzel received a BA in Economics from Duke University and an MBA in Finance from Rice University. After building a career as a management consultant and corporate risk manager within the banking and energy industries, she co-founded Three Keys Coffee in 2019 along with her husband, Tio Fallen. Kenzel is a Q-Arabica Grader and wears many hats for Three Keys, primarily focused on business & financial operations as well as strategic planning and growth initiatives.

Tio Fallen is Co-Founder and Director of Coffee for Three Keys Coffee. Originally from Decatur GA, Tio has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Florida A&M University and MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. While working as an engineer in the energy industry, he began roasting coffee at home which soon expanded into a commercial venture that he started with his wife, Kenzel. His background in playing the trumpet for 15+ years influenced the branding and name of Three Keys, an homage to the valves of the instrument he picked up at the age of 8. He is a licensed Q-Arabica Grader and a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Tio placed 9^th overall in the 2023 US Roaster Championship Finals and 5th overall in the 2024 Finals.

Three Keys offers a more approachable and inclusive coffee experience through the sights and sounds of jazz culture, while remaining steadfastly committed to creating products that represent excellence and superior quality.

They are also focused on providing professional development opportunities for their staff and have recently opened up their first brick and mortar store, taking another step into caring for their coffee, and local community.

You are in for a treat! 

We cover 

• The Convergence of Life Stories
• From Side Gig to Full-Time Passion
• Elevating the Familiar: The Story of Three Keys Coffee
• Balancing Science and Creativity in Roasting
• Receiving Feedback and Staying True to Vision
• Creating Range and Accessibility
• Transforming Employment and Developing Thought Leaders
• Nurturing Growth and Aspirations
• Building a Local Presence through a Cafe
• The Power of Authenticity in Business
• Maximizing Energy

 

Links:

• www.threekeyscoffee.com
• https://www.instagram.com/threekeyscoffee/

Related Episodes: 

• 423 : Founder Friday! w/ Danny and Michelle Quiroz of Reserva Coffee Roasters | McAllen, TX
• 310 : Founder Friday w/ Jelynn Malone and Beverly Magtanong of Mostra Coffee
• 156 : Founder Friday w/ Lauren Crabbe, Co-Founder of Andytown Coffee Roasters, San Fransisco

 

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