Shoulin Luo
Staff Writer
In today’s fast-paced world, coffee has evolved into an integral aspect of daily life, offering Florida Southern College students more than just a boost. It serves as a brief respite from their demanding academic and social schedules.
The introduction of Ace Bean Coffee has injected diversity and excitement into campus coffee culture. With the help of the $500 Plant the Seed fund, and the White Label Program sponsored by Concord Coffee, founder and FSC student Jesuel Caraballo has transformed his dream into a revenue-generating business.
Renowned for its unwavering commitment to coffee craftsmanship and environmental responsibility, Ace Bean Coffee not only provides exceptional coffee but also weaves narratives of various military units, legacies, and battles into its offerings. This storytelling aspect is a prominent highlight.
The packaging on the coffee bags features military history stickers. The light roast is Flyer’s Fuel, the medium roast is Captain’s Caffeination and the dark roast is Delta Force Dark. The packaging belt also includes some historical war stories for buyers to interact with. The back includes a message emphasizing their commitment to providing coffee beans to schools to cater to the student body’s needs.
Since the beginning, the company has developed a distinctive partnership with FSC. Currently, all team members at Ace Bean Coffee are FSC Army ROTC cadets, with one team member boasting over eight years of experience in the field artillery field.
This collaboration’s objective is to enrich the university experience for students by harnessing professional expertise and student talents to promote sustainability and community involvement.
Furthermore, the aim is to gain a deeper understanding of students’ coffee preferences and offer the university community premium coffee beans that enhance both their academic and personal lives. Selling the beans online allows students to purchase with ease.
“Our coffee beans are meticulously sourced from around the globe, offering a diverse range of coffee options,” Caraballo said. “Whether you seek an energy boost in the morning or an afternoon espresso pick-me-up, Ace Bean Coffee has something for everyone.”
To test their market at the college, Ace Bean Coffee and the Nina B. Hollis Wellness Center hosted a coffee-sharing event at FSC on Sept. 26.
During the event, the company showcased its specialty iced coffees, including the highly popular “Captain’s Caffeine,” the Brazilian medium roast that has rapidly gained favor among students.
“As a coffee enthusiast, I am thrilled to savor their specialty offerings, which provide a fresh coffee experience,” junior Angelina Veytia said.
Sophomore James Hemington agreed.
“Having a cup of coffee after a workout is a fantastic experience, and their coffee beans have become my top choice,” Hemington said. “They’re simply delicious.”
To access their other target market – those in the military – the company shares inspiring stories of service members through its Coffee Army program. On their Instagram, they recognize heroes who’ve made an impact on the country, including Roy Benavidez and the Screaming Eagles.
They firmly believe that their “coffee is a means to connect with active-duty military personnel and veterans, fostering conversations while enjoying exceptional coffee.” Regularly, they host coffee-tasting events, coffee training sessions, and community gatherings designed to deepen customers’ understanding and appreciation of coffee.
Cabarallo aptly sums it up: “Each cup of coffee is more than a mere beverage; it’s a connection to history and a reminder of the sacrifices made by our service members and their families.”
