PT's Coffee Roasting Co. | 2025 Small Business Awards

Compiled by LAUREN JURGENSEN & BRADEN DIMICK | Photos by CHRISTINA NOLAND

PT's Coffee Roasting Co. | Co-Founder Fred Polzin | Small Business Manufacturing Award Winner

What inspired you to start your business?
At the time it was the general lack of specialty coffee in Topeka. I believe there were only two espresso machines in town and most people had to go to Lawrence or Manhattan to get a good latte or espresso drink. Today, we offer some of the best coffee in the world, roasted fresh, to the local community. We’re a former Roaster of the Year with some of the highest-rated coffees ever on Coffee Review.

When did you know your idea could really work?
When we’d have jazz musicians on Sunday evenings and our little shop in Barrington Village would have people lined out the door. I also started to realize it would work as I got to know more and more regulars by name, because they came in every single day to support the new venture.

How does your company help the community?
We try to provide donations to local organizations when possible, and we often do coffee sales to fundraise for nonprofits. We also try to support the farmers we buy from by providing medical and educational supplies or even soccer uniforms. Our community is worldwide because our product comes from developing countries, and we’ve regularly paid farmers above market price to help them sustain their farms and provide for their families and employees.

How do you develop a strong company culture?
By including my employees in the decision-making process when possible. Treating them well and allowing them to understand the value of a great product. Respectful management is always important because you let the employee be a part of the process as much as possible, but also understand their contributions.

How does it feel to be recognized by your community?
It’s very fulfilling and rewarding. It feels good to be recognized for a different part of our company than we have in the past, and we were very excited about the opportunity.

Any exciting projects or goals on the horizon?
We’re currently excited about helping to build a workers’ cabin on one of our farms in Central America. Our other goal is to ensure sustainable coffee and growing conditions for our farmers as the climate and ecosystem change.

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