Diego Ramirez - Huehuetenango, Guatemala

Stamp Act Coffee was founded in 2018 by Andrew Kent, a Seattle local who established the roastery after gaining diverse international coffee experience: working with coffee growers in Ethiopia, creating a roasting company in Singapore, and perfecting his craft in Australia. This global perspective informed his vision to return to Seattle and introduce these international influences to his hometown's established coffee scene. The roastery's name and ethos are inspired by American history—specifically how coffee became a symbol of unity during colonial times when the Stamp Act taxation helped catalyze the American Revolution, leading colonists to embrace coffee over tea as a patriotic choice. This historical reference underscores the company's belief that coffee serves as a powerful community builder across geographic and cultural boundaries. Stamp Act's roasting approach features lighter profiles that highlight the inherent qualities of their beans, with special attention to espresso and milk-based drinks. Their offerings include "delicate and vibrant" single-origin coffees alongside seasonal blends designed to satisfy various brewing preferences. The company sources green coffee thoughtfully, prioritizing quality while nurturing international relationships developed throughout Kent's global career. The roastery operates a consistent production schedule, roasting every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from their Seattle location. Their logo carries additional local significance, featuring a reimagined version of Benjamin Franklin's colonial snake illustration where the abbreviations for the original colonies have been replaced with those representing the seven hills of Seattle—a subtle nod to the founder's hometown geography.