Branden is the CEO/Managing Partner of Veteran Roasters. Branden is a Navy veteran, who’s last two years on active duty as the Regional Manager for the Navy Wounded Warrior Program had a huge impact on the work he has been passionate about after service.

Branden led the efforts to bring Warrior Games to Chicago in 2017 and his passion for continuing to provide opportunities to veterans after service led him to Veteran Roasters Coffee.

Veteran advocacy is Branden’s vocation, particularly veteran employment, support and community development.

Jessie has been with Veteran Roasters from the start in 2017 and is known as our RnR Cold Brew guru. He is a Navy veteran who served 6 years stationed in San Diego, CA as a Fireman’s Apprentice and Electrician's Mate aboard the USS Essex, Belleau Wood, and Boxer.

A Chicago native, Jessie is a fan of the Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks. He lives in the city with his wife and daughter.

Jessie enjoys the team atmosphere at Veteran Roasters and thinks his co-workers are some of the best guys he’s had the pleasure to work with. What’s in Jessie’s mug? When he’s not drinking cold brew, Jessie’s top choice is our Night Ops Dark Roast.

Pedro is from Chicago, IL and honorably served 4 years in the Marine Corps. He was stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC and completed two tours to Afghanistan. He has a supportive family who has always
been there for him, giving him the motivation to never give up and to continue to shoot for success. He is thankful to God for this family: the one that was given to him and the one that he is growing now. The bravery and dedication of his fellow military brothers and sisters fuel his passion to help those that get lost in the transition back to civilian life.

Pedro is blessed to have made mistakes, and failed, and still have found his way. He loves working at Veteran Roasters for the opportunity to develop his good habits and gain peace and happiness. He is blessed with the opportunity to share with other warriors the trials and tribulations, letting others know that they are not alone in strife and struggle.

What’s in Pedro’s mug? Cup O' Joe Medium Roast or RnR Cold Brew!

Ken joined Veteran Roasters after serving in the Marine Corps as an administrative clerk, in San Diego at Coronado Island and for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, and aboard the
USS Ranger.

He joined Veteran Roasters to work in the order fulfillment department, and is focused on self improvement after having battled personal demons and PTSD.

Ken is working hard on rebuilding his life and spending time with his parents, while cheering on his Chicago sports teams.

Abbie’s journey as a veteran started at the age of 17 when she joined the Wisconsin National Guard. By 21, she was deployed to Iraq and faced many transitional challenges when she returned home in 2004. It was during this difficult time that Abbie started to find her voice through peer mentoring and volunteer work for organizations including IAVA, Vets for Vets and the Dane County Rape Crisis Line. She traveled throughout the United States talking to other Veterans, civilians, reporters and elected officials all whilst attending Edgewood College in Madison, WI.

With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Political Science, Abbie has committed her career to helping other veterans transition out of service, working for the Army’s Wounded Warrior Program, The Wounded Warrior Project, Dryhootch of America, and Illinois Joining Forces.

Abbie has gone on to co-found Phenix Legacy, a non-profit that serves military and first responders through peer mentoring both in and out of the workplace. She has testified before congress and is considered a subject matter expert in veteran transitions, women veterans, and veterans who have been injured while in service. Abbie is a mother of 2 children, Norah and Miles, and is happily married to her best friend, Christopher

Sterling, a Chicago native, grew up in the Calumet Heights area. Sterling served in the Navy as mechanic on the P-3C Orion and F-18 Hornet and served aboard the USS John C. Stennis. Now back in his native Chicago, he manages to support both the White Sox and Cubs.

Sterling loves to spend time with his family and enjoys hobbies such as cooking, swimming, and playing pool. Sterling has since graduated from his position with Veteran Roasters, but loved the many interactions with customers and fellow veterans that came with the job