Who we are

The Direct Trade Coffee Club was started in 2009 by Kirby Watson, Chad Morton, Trevor Corlett and Ryan Knapp.  We started the club to promote direct trade coffee.

We believe the practice of direct trade in the coffee business is the best business model for all parties involved in the coffee industry.  We started the club to promote the idea and provide a national market place for the roasters who participate in direct trade.

Kirby Watson is a 20 year veteran of online and offline technology businesses.  After a recent move to Grand Rapids he discovered MadCap Coffee, learned the basics of direct trade and worked with Chad and Trevor to refine the idea.  Kirby has been married to his wife Jodi for nearly 20 years and loves to bring his dog to work with him.  Jodi and Kirby love international travel, scuba diving and technology.

Chad Morton began his coffee career 5 years ago after traveling to rural Guatemala where he observed severe poverty and decided to do something about it.  His first exposure to direct trade occurred when he brought back 20 pounds of green coffee in a backpack.  After a lot of hard work and learning, he helped develop a non-profit coffee company centered around the direct trade model.  Chad enjoys playing hockey, biking and being with his friends and family.  Chad has been married for 13 years, has 5 children ages 10-3 and they enjoy culture, camping, traveling and finding adventure in life.
For the last 10 years he has owned a procurement business, specializing in helping small to medium sized businesses in sourcing and new market opportunities.

Trevor Corlett has been working in the specialty coffee industry for 9 years.  He got started by helping a non-profit open a cafe by structuring and managing their coffee business.  Trevor is a certified barista by the International Association of Specialty Coffee and finished third place in the 2009 Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition. He is currently the majority owner of MadCap Coffee Company.  Trevor has been married for 7 years and has two children.  When not working at MadCap he enjoys coaching boys soccer.

Ryan Knapp has been working in specialty coffee for 3 years. He moved up to Grand Rapids in 2008 to assist the opening of MadCap Coffee.  Ryan is currently the head roaster and barista trainer for MadCap.  When not working behind the bar or in the roastery, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, biking, going out with friends and eating great food.