I’m Derek; husband, father, teacher, and coffee roaster. I somewhat stumbled into coffee roasting back in 2012. At first, I was simply looking for a few ways to help cut some costs being a teacher, and my wife was expecting our first kids (yes, twins). Some home roasting friends kept telling me that roasting coffee would save money and taste delicious. My first attempt was Christmas Eve 2012 on an open flame gas burner on my outdoor grill. I had a cast iron skillet, one pound of Papa New Guinea beans, and a wooden spoon in hand. It was quite the learning curve, but they were right, and I fell in love with fresh roasted coffee beans! Over the years, I continued to upgrade my roasting equipment and learn more through other coffee roasters and lots of trial and error.
As time progressed, coworkers, friends, family, and students would regularly want to sample or buy beans. In 2017, my wife and I launched “Didactic Roaster”. Our family also grew to include four kids, all under the age of four, with one more on the way. Needless to say, it was difficult to grow the business.
Fast forward to the summer of 2019; the kids are older, and time is more available. We decided to rebrand, and Derek Sips was formed. Our family loves coffee, and we want others to enjoy sipping it as much as we do. We aim to provide people the opportunity to enjoy great flavorful and fresh roasted coffee at an affordable price within their own home. "Enjoy Black" is our motto because excellently sourced beans, roasted properly, will provide the best smooth and delicious cup of coffee for your enjoyment.
grace and peace,
Derek