Meet Brandon Allen | Police Officer, Owner of For The People Coffee Company, Owner of For The People Youth Mentorship Program

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I think one of the things outsiders are unaware of is that most of my business proceeds is going back into my mentorship program. Which is guided to lead young men into making good choices in the world. The mentorship program will also teach these young men how to tie a tie, change a tire on car, how to fill out a job application, how to talk and answer questions during a interview and much more!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been nothing but an amazing journey. I am a police officer in the City of Calera and have been there for 8 years now. Being a police officer in todays world can be very challenging, stressful and frustrating, but I have overcame every obstacle that have came my way. I feel like being a police officer was a calling and all apart of God plans. As a police officer it gives me a great opportunity to build a very special relationship with the youth and community which I feel like I have done. I believe my career in policing is what lead me to start my business. When I first started my career working nightshift was hard staying awake and I spent many hours at the coffee pot at local gas stations. I always felt like you could meet a friend at the coffee pot as you both awaited for the coffee to brew. As the years went by the more friends I met at the coffee pot and became very close too. Which lead me to start my business For The People Coffee Company. My most proudest moment in my career is when this young man came up to me and explained to me how much of a role model I was to him and how he wanted to be like me. I want the world to know that my brand is more than coffee, its more than cream and sugar. I want the world to know that our coffee is brewing in changing lives and that with every purchase, you are making a difference.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My city has some hidden gems. My going out days are very minimum, but I love small settings with good people. The first spot we would visit for food and good drinks would be Las Mesas Mexican Grill. After some good authentic Mexican food we will take a trip to The Humidor Room Cigar and Scotch Bar. Another great spot is Pies & Pints, the pizza there is amazing. For activities we will visit Shiloh Clays for Clay shooting, Autobahn which is indoor speed track, Oak Mountain Lanes for bowling and also Axe Throwing at Ivy League Brewing. One of my favorite places to eat is Automatic Seafood and Oysters, the fish collar there is amazing. Another thing we would do is take a bourbon tour at Dread River Distilling Company.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There is a lot of people that deserves a shoutout for helping me throughout my career and business. First my parents, Angela and Phillip Allen they have been extremely supportive in my journey and my decisions. My wife, Kayana Allen, who has always been there for me motivating me and giving me encouraging words especially in times when I want to throw in the towel. My dear friend Taylor at Adventurer’s Coffee Shop, who has been nothing but amazing from giving me sound business advice and showing me the ropes within the coffee industry. All my close friends and family members that continue to support, like and share every post that I post and purchase coffee I’m pretty sure they know who they are. A special shout-out to God, because without his grace and mercy this would not be possible. I also want to give to a shout to Anthony Oneal YouTube channel “The Table” a show that I watch daily and it has help me tremendously. Thanks to my friend Gerald Hicks at X9 Scouting for volunteering his time, energy and video talents to help me grow my business. Also a special shoutout to my Auntie Casandra Houston for mentioning me for this opportunity.

Website: www.ftpcoffee.com

Instagram: forthepplcoffeeco

Facebook: For The People Coffee Company

Image Credits
X9 SCOUTING HEATHER HOLMES