Our Story

Our story and relationship with Manatee Coffee began on the beautiful and historic island of Sanibel, Florida.

Brothers, Brad and Cary Gutwein, frequently boated along the coastal waters and often encountered waterway signs reminding boaters to go slow in the manatee zones. As they found out more about the ecosystem of the area, they learned about the manatee and their endangered status, inspiring them to explore ways to support and protect their habitats.

Their passion for coffee led them to discover Manatee Coffee. At the time, the owners were based in Marco Island and had the coffee roasted in Miami. Intrigued by this coffee with a cause, Brad and Cary reached out to the owners to explore ways they could contribute to their mission. This conversation ultimately led them to acquire ownership of Manatee Coffee in 2010.

When Manatee Coffee was acquired, the brothers had an office on Periwinkle Way in Sanibel, Florida.  Currently, Manatee coffee is roasted and packaged in Indiana, however, Florida is where the brand began and where the brand maintains its roots and identity.

Today, we utilize Manatee Coffee to raise awareness and support for our trusted partners: Save the Manatee Club, The Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium, The Florida Fish & Wildlife Foundation, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Thanks to you we’ve been able to donate over $70,000 to these trusted organizations who help support manatees and their environments for future generations. We are so grateful to do what we love and have your support for this great coffee with a cause.