Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Patton.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I became a firefighter and paramedic 13 years ago in Riviera Beach, FL. I always loved helping people and becoming a firefighter seemed like the best way for me to be able to accomplish that dream. Six years ago, I started making funny social media videos about firefighting and EMS called Fire Department Chronicles. I was shocked by how quickly the videos took off. This platform, now with 2.6 million followers, allowed me to create a connection with the CEO of Fire Department Coffee, Luke Schnieder, who asked me to work together with him to build a coffee company that would not only create high-quality coffee for hard-working men and women all around the world but also gives back to First Responders in need. 10% of all net proceeds go back to sick and injured First Responders. Now, as the Vice President and part-owner of Fire Department Coffee, I am proud to say that I have helped create a company that cares about not only the quality of product we are selling but the quality of the relationships we are creating with our customers and community as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, but I don’t believe anything worth working for comes easy. As a business, like most small businesses, we have had to constantly balance growth with staying within budget. Both don’t seem to be very harmonious in the beginning stages of creating an ever-growing and expanding business but seem to be what teach the best lessons if the end goal is to have a company that is profitable and self-sustaining year after year.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Growing Fire Department Coffee as a business has been very exciting. While SEO, advertising analytics, and customer acquisition numbers are important for gaining and retaining customers, this doesn’t seem to get them emotionally involved with the company. This is where the using power of social media is critical. Recently we attended a fire conference in Indiana where, because of our social media presence, I took pictures with over 3500 people and our sales were the best we’ve ever had in the five years of attending that particular conference. And all this happened at a conference that had record low attendance. I believe this was because when people see Fire Department Coffee, they think of our videos which provide a much-needed laugh and high-quality coffee that is affordable.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe luck is a great thing to hope for but hard work will always create better results. Sometimes you happen to run into the right person at the right time, which I’m sure can be attributed to luck, but plugging away and sheer diligence will be what will allow me to separate myself from the competition.
Pricing:
- Original Roast $12.99 12 oz bag
- Skull Crushing Espresso $14.24 12 oz bag
- Spirit Infused Line $19.99 12 oz bag
Contact Info:
- Email: Jason@firedeptcoffee.com
- Website: https://www.firedeptcoffee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firedeptcoffee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firedeptcoffee
