Hector Castillo Carvajal, Founder of Don Carvajal Cafe, steps onto the New York Launch Pod to discuss his delicious eco-friendly coffee company. Don Carvajal Cafe offers a sustainable approach to the coffee industry by using exclusively compostable materials, contracting directly with farmers that Hector personally vets, and implementing new processes that help to protect the environment while roasting the beans to perfection. Hector was inspired to start Don Carvajal Cafe while he was still a student at the University of Rochester. One summer Hector came into contact with a coffee importer who was impressed by Hector’s business-savvy and drive. After learning about the coffee industry, Hector then returned to campus in the fall and created a business plan for Don Carvajal Cafe. Since then, Hector has continued to learn everything he can about the coffee industry through mentors and networking to building his business from the ground up. Today Hector is growing his business through pop-up events and visiting cafes and supermarkets to get the word out.   In this episode we talk about how Hector took an idea and turned it into a brand with a presence in all five boroughs and several states, how he taught himself what it takes to be successful in the coffee industry, and how he manages to provide a completely eco-friendly brand from the farms he works with to the packaging containing the best tasting coffee you will ever try! Transcript available at: nylaun.ch/doncarvajalcafetr Use code NYLAUNCH for 10% off your order at doncarvajalcafe.com!