Mickey McLeod, co-founder, president and CEO of Salt Spring Coffee

Mickey McLeod is co-founder, president, and CEO of Salt Spring Coffee. A self-motivated businessman at heart, he was influenced by a group of counter culture folks on Texada Island in the late 60’s. The values he learned then, he holds true today in his personal and business practices. During the 70’s in between tree planting and spacing contracts he would buy and sell fruit and veggies from the Okanagan. Moving to Salt Spring Island in 1981 found him starting an organic market garden and custom sawmill business, which he ran until starting Salt Spring Coffee with his wife Robbyn Scott in 1996. Today Salt Spring Coffee is a leader in Organic, Fair to Farmer coffee roasting and sustainable business practices, recently being recognized in B Lab’s first Best for the World list.

Favourite coffee?
It all started with Sumatran coffee for me and although it's still one of my all-time favourites my taste buds have enjoyed a much wider range in the last few years. Right now, I really like Byron's Maracaturra, our seasonal Culinary Single Origin from Nicaragua.

Brew method?
I've tried them all. I was into French Press for the last few years and now seem to be working back into single cup drip again. I like French Press for its rich deep flavour. Drip gives a cleaner cup with some fine flavour notes.

Favourite time of day and/or place to enjoy a cup of Salt Spring Coffee?
That would be in the morning at home with Robbyn.

What drives you and what you are working on to help make change?
Where do I start. I would say our Fair to Farmer Direct™ program is my focus these days - really, there's so many amazing things we can do with our producing partners. On a more personal note, getting by with less.

At Salt Spring Coffee we...
Have always worked hard to do the best we can in whatever we do. And, we're proud of the leadership that we've provided along the way.

You can never have too many...
To go cups.

Indispensable coffee tool?
An unbreakable French Press and a hand grinder.