Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Hayslip.
Hi Kyle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Kyle and I am the owner/roaster at Big Step Coffee. This company focuses on a rotating selection of lightly roasted single-origin coffees that are either purchased directly or through carefully selected import partners. I roast all the coffee at the California Roasting Collective in San Marcos CA.
The name Big Step Coffee is inspired by my son, who, when he was two years old, would excitedly shout “Big Step!” whenever we encountered a large crack or ledge on the sidewalk during our walks. While in the stroller, he loved it when we hopped over these obstacles. For me, the name represents a spirit of adventure and fearlessness that led me to create this company.
My path to starting a coffee business wasn’t a straight line. I spent several years outside the industry before launching Big Step Coffee, but the idea started while I was in graduate business school at the University of San Diego, studying global business, economic development, and entrepreneurship. Coffee allows me to tie all this together.
Big Step Coffee exists to introduce people to exceptional coffee grown by dedicated farmers, co-ops, and communities across the globe. My goal is to find not only great tasting coffee but work with partners who have deep, long-standing relationships with the producers. It’s not about chasing the latest trends; it’s about building partnerships that support the long-term sustainability of the farms and communities. Having traveled to multiple coffee-producing countries, I appreciate the level of work, innovation, skill, and financial risk it takes to produce high-scoring specialty coffee. My aim as a roaster is to honor that work so it’s reflected in the cup you drink.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Part of the reason I chose this path was the challenge itself but a few obstacles stand out.
At a personal level, the most difficult part was deciding to leave my previous career to pursue something wildly different. I knew it would be difficult but it’s a whole different experience when you actually make that leap.
The cost of green coffee has been a big challenge. In the three years since I launched, specialty green coffee prices have gone up significantly. This has been difficult for all roasting companies and consumers. As a small buyer, I have to be very thoughtful about my approach to sourcing.
The coffee business is crowded and I am going up against brands with much larger budgets that I simply can’t match right now. Creating something that stands out is extremely difficult. But the market for specialty coffee continues to grow: interest in brewing high-quality coffee at home is stronger than it’s ever been. There are opportunities for small, bootstrapped companies such as Big Step to succeed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Big Step Coffee?
Big Step Coffee is a roasting company focused on light-roasted single-origin coffees. I don’t have a brick-and-mortar location yet, but you can buy Big Step Coffee online, and I’m currently expanding wholesale to select local markets. I also do private label roasting. If you’re a small café or market, I can help build your coffee program by sourcing, roasting, and bagging the coffee you need.
The best way to get Big Step Coffee is through the monthly subscription. You choose the size that works for you, up to 5 lb bags — perfect for small offices. I curate each month’s offering myself, and subscribers get perks like samples of coffees before they’re released.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bigstepcoffee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigstepcoffee/
