Clout Coffee Company Profile

Background

Overview

Clout Coffee is a female-founded and women-owned company specializing in barrel-aged coffee beans. Established in May 2018 by founder Carole Sprunk, the company combines a passion for coffee, bourbon, and community to create unique coffee experiences. In October 2023, ownership transitioned to two couples—Clayton and Marie Newell, and Brian and Alicia Jett—who relocated the roastery to Hermann, Missouri, deepening Clout Coffee's connection to local craft culture. The company remains committed to its roots, offering artisan coffee beans available in local retailers, tasting rooms, and through online delivery.

Mission and Vision

Clout Coffee's mission is to empower and inspire individuals through a unique coffee experience that blends quality, craftsmanship, and community engagement. The vision is to become a household name in barrel-aged coffee, known for innovation and dedication to quality.

Primary Area of Focus

The company focuses on producing barrel-aged coffee beans, infusing them with the essence of premium spirits such as bourbon, rum, whiskey, and rye. This process imparts distinctive flavors and aromas, offering coffee enthusiasts a unique tasting experience.

Industry Significance

Clout Coffee stands out in the specialty coffee industry by pioneering the barrel-aging process, catering to consumers seeking innovative and premium coffee products. Its commitment to quality and community engagement has established it as a notable player in the niche market of barrel-aged coffees.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Product Innovation: Continuously develop and refine barrel-aged coffee offerings to meet evolving consumer tastes.

• Community Engagement: Strengthen ties with local communities through collaborations and support for local businesses.

• Brand Expansion: Increase brand visibility and availability through strategic partnerships and expanded distribution channels.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Barrel-Aged Coffee Production: Expertise in aging single-origin Colombian Arabica beans in freshly dumped spirit barrels to infuse unique flavors.

• Small-Batch Roasting: Roasting beans in small batches to ensure quality control and preserve the integrity of flavors.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Barrel Aging Techniques: Utilizing traditional methods to age coffee beans in spirit barrels, enhancing flavor profiles.

• Small-Batch Roasting Equipment: Employing specialized roasting equipment to maintain consistency and quality in small batch productions.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Coffee Enthusiasts: Individuals seeking unique and premium coffee experiences.

• Spirit Lovers: Consumers interested in the fusion of coffee and spirit flavors.

• Local Communities: Engaging with local retailers, tasting rooms, and community events to build brand presence.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Specific details regarding Clout Coffee's funding history, total funds raised, and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

Information about individual investors or investment firms backing Clout Coffee is not publicly available.

Intended Utilization of Capital

While specific plans for capital utilization are not detailed, it is likely that funds are allocated towards:

• Product Development: Enhancing and expanding the range of barrel-aged coffee offerings.

• Operational Expansion: Upgrading roasting facilities and equipment to increase production capacity.

• Marketing and Branding: Investing in marketing strategies to boost brand awareness and reach new customers.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Clout Coffee's pipeline includes various barrel-aged coffee products, each offering unique flavor profiles:

• Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee: Infused with the essence of bourbon, providing a rich and smooth flavor.

• Rum Barrel Aged Coffee: Aged in rum barrels, imparting sweet and spicy notes.

• Rye Barrel Aged Coffee: Aged in rye whiskey barrels, offering a bold and complex taste.

• Whiskey Barrel Aged Coffee: Infused with whiskey flavors, delivering a robust and full-bodied experience.

Stages of Product Development

Clout Coffee's products are in the market stage, with ongoing efforts to refine and expand the product line.

Target Conditions

The company targets consumers seeking unique coffee experiences, particularly those interested in the fusion of coffee and spirit flavors.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for product development milestones are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Barrel Aging Process: A proprietary method of aging coffee beans in freshly dumped spirit barrels to infuse unique flavors.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Flavor Profiling: Utilizing sensory analysis to develop and refine flavor profiles of barrel-aged coffees.

AI-Driven Capabilities

Currently, Clout Coffee does not publicly disclose the use of AI-driven technologies in its operations.

Leadership Team

Alicia Jett, Co-CEO & CHRO

Alicia Jett is a devoted mother of three girls and a resident of Hermann, Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Brian. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Alicia moved to Missouri for college, earning her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an MBA. With a career in Human Resources, she is passionate about continuous learning and is excited to dive into the coffee business as Co-CEO and CHRO of Clout Coffee. Alicia has served on various charity boards and loves giving back to the community. In her free time, she enjoys family walks and exploring new places with her family. Her favorite mug reads "Hermann: A Town Called Blessed," reflecting her love for her hometown and her adventurous spirit.

Marie Newell, Co-CEO & CMO

Marie Newell moved to Hermann, Missouri, in 2020 with her husband, Clayton, whom she met in college. They have been married since 2009 and have two daughters. Growing up in the St. Louis area and later moving to Troy, Missouri, Marie pursued her BFA in Graphic Design with honors at UCM in Warrensburg. Passionate about helping small businesses succeed through her branding agency, Marie is excited to elevate Clout Coffee alongside friends. She is active in the local community through the chamber and loves connecting with others. Marie enjoys reading, being outdoors, and supporting her family’s hobbies. Her favorite mug, decorated with a hot pink handprint from her youngest, is a testament to her busy life. She looks forward to more travel adventures and exploring new culinary experiences.

Brian R. Jett, CPA, CFP®, CFO

Brian Jett is a proud husband and father of three wonderful girls. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he moved his family to Hermann in 2022, coinciding with a career shift to real estate after 15 years in public accounting. Brian is a serial entrepreneur, managing several short-term vacation rentals, commercial properties, and a local arcade, Kugelblitz Gaming. His passion for Hermann shines through his involvement in numerous community development and philanthropic initiatives. Currently, he serves as Secretary of Hermann Regional Economic Development, Treasurer of the Showboat Community Theatre, and Treasurer of the Beloved Pawn Youth Center. Brian’s dedication to his community and family is evident in his many roles and his enthusiastic support for Clout Coffee.

Clayton Newell, COO

Clayton Newell is a dedicated husband and father of two daughters, living in Hermann, Missouri, with his wife, Marie. Born and raised on a horse farm near Kansas City, Missouri, Clayton began his entrepreneurial journey with a mobile DJ business at 16. He met Marie during their freshman year of college in Warrensburg, Missouri. After various roles in business management, sales, and development, they moved to Hermann, where Clayton founded Lionheart Whiskey Co., a craft distillery. Clayton’s commitment to his community earned him the “Distinguished Volunteer Award” from the Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the board of the local youth center and the city’s board of adjustments. Clayton’s faith and family are his greatest passions, and he dedicates his spare time to his wife and daughters, enjoying adventures and vacations together.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The specialty coffee industry is characterized by a growing demand for unique and premium coffee experiences. Consumers are increasingly seeking innovative products that offer distinctive flavors and high-quality ingredients. The barrel-aged coffee segment, while niche, is expanding as more consumers discover the unique profiles these products offer.

Competitor Analysis

• Onyx Coffee Lab: An American coffee roaster and coffee shop based in Rogers, Arkansas, known for its innovative brewing techniques and high-quality beans.

• Black Rifle Coffee Company: A U.S. coffee company founded in 2014, recognized for its strong brand identity and commitment to supporting veterans.

• Bootlegger Coffee Company: A South African café franchise and supplier of beverage products.