Where we started
Meet our founder, Troy Potts
Some of my earliest memories were sitting around the breakfast table drinking coffee with my family. Each morning, I heard the percolator bubbling as my dad brewed it to go with our eggs, grits, bacon, and toast. Later, I started each day at the local coffee shop. There, I built lasting friendships with baristas and regulars and enjoyed conversations with strangers. We were brought together because we all enjoyed coffee. More than that, we appreciated the community that came from this routine.
However, we often complained that good coffee was hard to come by. My first taste of outstanding coffee was in Italy. I loved the chocolatey, nutty, rich taste of the coffees there. When I decided to become a coffee roaster, it was logical to return to that country and perfect my roasting technique. I chose to train in Florence, where I shadowed master roaster Marco Cremonese in 2019. Since then, I worked to perfect my roasts and learn the business.
about the elephant
The Publica® elephant is a reflection of the protective community elephants build for one another. Elephants look out for each member of their herd and beyond, from the smallest to the largest. It is our goal to do the same.
In keeping with this mission, we are particularly committed to supporting those who have experienced trauma and to amplifying the voices of those who have traditionally been left out.
Here at Publica®, we make it our mission to look after our herd. We’re glad you’re here.
where we're going
our mission
At the heart of our coffee business is a deep commitment to quality, community, and responsibility. We meticulously roast premium beans sourced from trusted growers who share our dedication to sustainability and ethical practices. But great coffee is just the beginning—we’re equally passionate about cultivating a culture of care, both within our team and in the communities we serve. From transparent sourcing and eco-conscious operations to supporting local initiatives, we strive to uphold responsible business practices that make a meaningful impact. Every cup we serve reflects our belief that business can—and should—be a force for good.