Expertise

With a background in specialty food and beverage, Andy Deister brings a wealth of experience to FairWave. His passion lies in crafting authentic brands that resonate with consumers. Andy’s love of coffee extends beyond the cup; he cherishes the vibrant coffee shop culture and the sense of community it fosters. Enticed by the vision of FairWave, Andy joined the team in 2023 to grow FairWave’s brands, build the Collective, and lead the teams.

off the clock

When Andy isn’t immersed in the world of coffee and business, he enjoys quality time with his family. Whether it’s a spirited game of pickleball, exploring new destinations, or venturing into the great outdoors for hiking or fly fishing, Andy embraces life beyond the boardroom.

For Joe Marrocco, coffee is a language that crosses all borders. His fluency in the craft has taken him to every corner of the industry, from serving as a barista to importing. Joe understands that coffee’s universality comes from its ability to adapt to local communities. He believes uniting local brands allows them to change the world through ethical buying practices. Joe is an eyewitness to the power of green coffee importing and has seen its impact on his trips to coffee-growing regions and industry events. His mission for restorative practices and long-lasting p

off the clock

If you gather around the campfire with Joe after one of his fishing trips, you might be lucky enough to hear him play a tune on his guitar.

Matt Druten believes success comes from a genuine passion for a quality product and the ability to deliver that product authentically. Having founded and worked with companies of all scopes throughout the last three decades, he is enthusiastic about outlining the path to growth for each of FairWave’s brands, regardless of size. For Matt, coffee is one of the few things in life that truly brings people together, and he shares FairWave’s core belief that coffee can positively impact communities – both locally and globally.

off the clock

When Matt isn’t working on his golf game, he can often be found working on a home renovation project or learning something new.

A longtime leader in the coffee industry, Isaac Hodges has seen firsthand how local businesses create a ripple effect in the global supply chain. He’s drawn by FairWave’s unique ability to connect with ethical suppliers and organizations that positively impact their communities. Isaac finds that FairWave’s resources empower their employees to become leaders, and he’s excited for his teammates to grow alongside the company.

off the clock

Isaac is a coffee drinker by day and an indie rock musician at night. His biggest (and most adorable) fans are his three kids.

The marketing projects on Suzanne Gunning’s résumé are varied, but they share a common thread: creating impact. Her latest role at FairWave is no exception. Suzanne’s experience has shown her that marketing empowers people to work together for positive change. She looks forward to using her skills to drive support for local brands and community organizations … and toward great cups of coffee.

off the clock

If you see Suzanne off the clock, it may not be in Kansas City. An explorer at heart, she finds that her children’s curiosity has made her trips even more exciting.

The culinary experience has been a lifelong journey for Kevin Johnson. His love of food has taken him far, from representing the U.S. at the Dean & DeLuca International Chefs conference in Thailand to collaborating with Pharrell Williams on the Williams Family Kitchen. Since joining the team at FairWave, Kevin has been focused on building and preserving the unique local brands within the collective.

off the clock

The next destination on Kevin’s journey might be a spot on HGTV. Outside of work, he can be found cranking away on home improvement projects.

Meet Katie Evans, the powerhouse behind FairWave’s operations. Raised in a family-run business, Katie grasps the grit and grind essential for a local business to grow. With more than two decades of experience in supply chain and operations in the food industry, she’s our go-to for production and all things manufacturing. But beyond spreadsheets and logistics, she’s got a passion for coffee that’s as strong as her morning brew.

off the clock

When she’s not juggling her boys’ activities or keeping FairWave running smoothly, you’ll catch her pedaling through town, savoring wine with pals, or cozying up with a great book.

Stephanie Orr knows the positive impact that coffee plays in all our lives. She believes that whether it helps you get out of bed in the morning or provides you with the café culture we all crave, coffee delivers vibes of straight-up happiness that we can all use more of. With more than 15 years of experience in operations and sales for consumer goods, she is passionate about enabling more people to purchase and support their favorite local coffee brands by expanding FairWave’s distribution. As she is a big supporter of all things local, her commitment to local bran

off the clock

When Stephanie isn’t playing supermom to her four kids (skim latte with an extra shot in-hand of course), she can be found planning her next international trip or working on a new favorite recipe.