A father-daughter team, T. Shane Johnson and his 6-year-old daughter Charli, have transformed their shared idea into a thriving coffee business called Big Guns Coffee. Established in 2021, the company now offers an extensive range of products, including 38 coffee blends as well as soaps and candles, available in 900 stores across the U.S. The unique aspect of their venture lies in its use of hydroponic farming techniques, which allow for more sustainable and efficient coffee cultivation compared to traditional methods.
Hydroponics has enabled the duo to overcome common agricultural challenges such as pests, water scarcity, and climate fluctuations. Their flagship products, Charli’s Blend—a bold dark roast—and The Motivator—a medium roast—are particularly popular among customers. Beyond the business's success, the Johnsons emphasize the importance of family involvement and community engagement, showcasing how entrepreneurship can be both educational and impactful.
Pioneering Hydroponic Coffee Cultivation
T. Shane Johnson and Charli introduced an innovative approach to coffee production by adopting hydroponic farming. This method involves growing plants using water rather than soil, significantly reducing resource consumption while maintaining high-quality yields. With this technique, they aim to redefine the standards of American-grown coffee, making it fresher and more accessible even in regions where traditional coffee farming is uncommon.
Hydroponic farming provides numerous advantages over conventional methods. By eliminating soil-based issues like pest infestations and water shortages, it ensures consistent growth conditions year-round. Moreover, the process uses only 2% of the water required by traditional farms, contributing to environmental sustainability. Charli highlights that hydroponic farms achieve higher efficiency, equating one acre of hydroponic land to twelve acres of regular farmland. This breakthrough not only supports their business but also sets a precedent for future farming practices.
Building a Legacy Through Entrepreneurship
For T. Shane and Charli, Big Guns Coffee represents more than just a profitable enterprise; it serves as a platform for teaching valuable life lessons about resilience and teamwork. Despite facing challenges such as natural disasters and retail location difficulties, they remain committed to fostering a spirit of perseverance within their young entrepreneur. Through hands-on experience, Charli learns firsthand about the highs and lows of running a business, gaining insight into problem-solving and adaptability.
The Johnsons' journey exemplifies the power of collaboration between generations. They believe that involving children in entrepreneurial endeavors at an early age strengthens familial bonds and cultivates essential skills. Additionally, their commitment extends beyond immediate success—they strive to make a lasting impact on their community by encouraging others to embrace innovation and sustainability. As T. Shane emphasizes, engaging families in meaningful projects contributes to building a stronger nation rooted in collective effort and responsibility. Their story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning.