Summit Browning didn’t know much about coffee when he started S Bar B Cowboy Coffee in 2022, but he’d taken enough business classes and participated in numerous FFA competitions to feel confident following an entrepreneurial path.
The Gardiner FFA Alumnus from Montana used his college fund and the proceeds from selling dirt bikes and snowmobiles to launch the business. He purchased a roaster and other essential supplies, investing almost $40,000 before he sold his first pound of coffee. Read on to learn how he’s brewing success.
When he was getting started, the agriculture classroom at Gardiner High School became coffee central. Browning experimented with 25 different types of beans and multiple roasting profiles.
“I’d stay after school to roast coffee,” he says. “Then give those samples to teachers to get feedback.”
Unlike roasters who make multiple kinds of coffee, S Bar B Cowboy Coffee only produces a French roast made from Ramirez Estate Organic Red Honey beans.
The 2023-24 Montana FFA state officer also uses the skills he mastered in FFA to secure retail contracts. Today, S Bar B Cowboy Coffee is stocked in more than 100 stores across five states.
Browning says having the support of his agriculture teacher, Lori Hoppe (pictured above), and permission to roast coffee in her classroom helped kick-start the business. Participating in Leadership and Career Development Events also helped him find confidence that fostered entrepreneurial success.
When Browning isn’t roasting coffee or driving to customer sites, he works on a commercial cow-calf operation.
“Ranching is my passion,” Browning says. “I started this business in hopes of funding at least a starter ranch for me someday.”
While building S Bar B Cowboy Coffee, Browning prioritized giving back to his community.
“The agriculture industry has given so much to me,” he says. “It’s really helped to build my character, teach me work ethic and give me a lot of the skills needed to run this business.”
Supporting FFA is especially important to Browning. He’s donated coffee to FFA banquets and fundraisers as well as purchased market animals at fairs to support members.
“I’d like to continue to give back and support the industry I love so much,” he adds.
