A father-son duo has brewed not just coffee, but a mission with a profound purpose. Ben Magee, at 24 years old, co-founded Lion’s Head Coffee with his father, turning a simple love for coffee into a vision of hope and transformation.
The Unlikely Beginning
Ben’s journey into the world of coffee started in an unexpected way. Growing up, his family wasn’t particularly fond of coffee until a family friend from South Africa humorously suggested that drinking coffee was a requisite for heavenly admission. At 15, Ben took the jest to heart, and a passion was ignited. He started crafting coffee for guests, refining his barista skills at home.
A Divine Encounter
At 17, a ministry trip to Peru became a pivotal moment in Ben’s life. He had a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ, solidifying his calling for ministry. However, he faced a common dilemma among many ministers: financial independence. His father, a paragon of hard work, inspired Ben to find a way to fund his ministry while pursuing his passion.
Ben had a vision of a coffee bush in his backyard. Although Texas’s climate wasn’t conducive to growing coffee, this vision sparked the idea of roasting coffee. Ben immersed himself in the art of coffee roasting, taking a three-day course at Diedrich Headquarters in Idaho to master the basics.
From Vision to Reality
A visit to a coffee farm in Guatemala with Minister Scott Lee was a turning point. Witnessing the challenges faced by coffee farmers deeply moved Ben and solidified his resolve. His father, recognizing Ben’s passion, invested in building a climate-controlled room in their shop. Lion’s Head Coffee was born from this humble beginning.
Despite starting with modest means, their dedication bore fruit. They began shipping coffee nationwide and even internationally, securing spots in major grocery stores, offering private labeling services, and operating a mobile cafe. By February 2024, they expanded into a 2400 sq. ft. roastery in Royse City, Texas, to meet growing demand.
Faith at the Core
Ben’s faith is integral to every aspect of Lion’s Head Coffee. He believes that his encounters with Jesus guide his steps and business decisions. John 14:6 serves as his foundation: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” For Ben, business success is intertwined with spiritual fulfillment, aiming to glorify God through his work.
Overcoming Challenges
Starting a business is never without challenges. For Ben, the journey required steadfast faith to navigate ups and downs. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and maintaining a positive mindset, often drawing strength from scripture, motivational figures like Les Brown, and his supportive community of friends and family.
Crafting Excellence
The name “Lion’s Head Coffee” emerged after a rebranding phase in early 2022. The lion symbolizes boldness and strength, qualities that Ben wanted to imbue in his brand. The logo, reminiscent of the majestic lion from “The Chronicles of Narnia,” represents their vision of competing on a global scale.
Learning to roast coffee at Diedrich Headquarters was a foundational experience, but Ben’s real mastery came from hands-on experimentation. Quality and consistency are paramount at Lion’s Head Coffee. They source beans from top farmers, maintain climate-controlled storage, and use state-of-the-art roasters to ensure every batch meets their high standards.
A Mission Beyond Coffee
What sets Lion’s Head Coffee apart is its mission. The company is dedicated to supporting an orphanage ministry in South Africa and an anti-sex trafficking ministry in Los Angeles. Ben dreams of funding an orphanage for 1,000 children, using coffee as a means to transform lives.
Milestones and Memories
One of Ben’s most memorable milestones was securing a partnership with Brookshire Grocery Company. Despite his initial nervousness about presenting to their team, his heartfelt story and quality product won them over. Other significant memories include traveling to Brazil to meet coffee farmers and countless late nights perfecting their products.
Looking Ahead
Lion’s Head Coffee has ambitious plans. Ben envisions a nationwide presence with Lion’s Head Cafes as a formidable alternative to Starbucks. He believes that people are seeking a brand that aligns with their values, and Lion’s Head Coffee is poised to fill that niche.
Ben Magee’s journey from a coffee novice to the co-founder of an aspiring coffee empire is a testament to faith, hard work, and unwavering vision. Lion’s Head Coffee is not just about serving an exceptional cup of coffee; it’s about making a lasting impact on the world, one cup at a time.
For more information and to support their mission, visit: Lion’s Head Coffee.
