THE COFFEE CHIEF

At k.financeco, we’re all about backing small businesses - and we love this one with a back story full of twists, turns and trusting your gut.

When you walk up to The Coffee Chief, you don’t just smell freshly ground beans - you feel it. That sense of community, connection, and passion that owner Jackson has poured into every single cup.

But Jackson’s path to coffee wasn’t exactly straightforward.

Jackson on the right, Chief in his arms, Kate on the left, The Coffee Chief behind

FROM ELECTRICIAN TO ESPRESSO

For 10 years, Jackson worked as an electrician. But chronic pain crept in, forcing him to pause and question everything... his job, his lifestyle, even the bigger “what’s next?” questions.

While helping out with the wiring at a local café, he found himself falling headfirst into the world of coffee. He was obsessed: learning the craft, understanding customer service, and soaking up what it meant to run a business. It was fun, it was different. And it was clear he had a natural gift for connecting with people.

A year later, Jackson was ready to take the leap on his own. He bought an empty horse float from marketplace for $3,500. He welcomed his dog, Chief into his life.

And so The Coffee Chief began.

No business plan. No five-year strategy. Just the belief that giving it a crack would be enough. And it was. From hitting markets and events to ultimately securing the Parkdale space - Jackson is living proof that sometimes no plan is the best plan.

A random email landing in his inbox was the catalyst to securing The Coffee Chief's position, perched by the bay in Parkdale. The spot was up for tender, so he gave it a crack... and succeeded.

THEN MORE TWISTS AND TURNS...

Remember the cafe where Jackson's coffee story began? It sadly burnt down. And now, the owner who gave Jackson a chance is now back working with him at The Coffee Chief. A full circle turn of events for Jackson and said cafe owner, Ameer.

Then just when we thought the twists were done... one of The Coffee Chief regulars is a plasterer. And guess where their recent plastering job was?

At the burnt down shop front.

So Jackson and Ameer had yet another full circle moment, with pieces of the damaged hardwood floors, complete with electrical clips and all... in a symbolic bbq. They were moving into their next phase with closure.

A COMMUNITY BUILT ON CONNECTION

For Jackson, the real win hasn’t only been his personal and business growth, or even his recent nomination as a finalist in the Kingston Business Sustainability Awards. It’s been the people.

“The community we’ve created is powerful,” he says.

From fundraising events for the likes of Friends with Dignity, to the everyday regulars who come in for their morning cup, The Coffee Chief has become a space where friendships are brewed just as much as flat whites.

It’s this connection - the familiar faces, the shared laughs, and the local support - that makes it all worthwhile.

WHAT'S NEXT?

After three years of building The Coffee Chief, Jackson is ready for the next phase. He’s working on branding, vision, and a fresh website that will soon bring their exclusive coffee blend online.

It’s the natural next step, taking the community-built business he’s created and opening it up to even more people.

LOCAL SHOUT OUTS

We asked Jackson to shout out a fellow Kingston business, and his pick was easy: Applehead Deli. Another local gem keeping the community spirit alive.

And if he could swap jobs for a day? He’d head to a Community Ranch — mucking in wherever needed, away from the daily hustle of running a café.

FINAL WORD

The Coffee Chief isn’t just about coffee. It’s about resilience, passion, and community.

If you haven’t already, stop by, grab a cup, and meet Jackson - the man who proves that sometimes the best plan is to just follow your heart.

(and don't forget to say thanks to Ameer and hi to Chief)

THE COFFEE CHIEF

📍 121 Bay Trail, Parkdale (by the Parkdale Yacht Club)

 📲 Follow on Instagram: @thecoffeechief

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