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Back in 2021, my wife and I traveled to Peru and hiked from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Along the way, we visited a coffee plantation where we were introduced to a very primitive, unique—but incredibly effective—method of roasting coffee. They roasted the beans in cast iron, and I volunteered to take part in the process. I loved it—the hands-on nature, the physicality, and the personal connection to the craft really resonated with me. When we returned to Kansas City, I found a place where I could buy bulk raw green coffee beans and started roasting them the same way at home. Whenever we had people over for dinner, I noticed more and more guests commenting on how much they enjoyed the coffee. I began giving it away as Christmas gifts, and before long, people started asking to buy it. What started as a hobby slowly grew into a side business—and eventually became what it is today.
December 29, 1982: At the Liberty Bowl, on a cold evening in Memphis, Tennessee, Carter drank his first cup of coffee. It was poured from a Stanley thermos and shared with his father. It was the last game the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant, would ever coach.
Carter joined the Marines a few months after graduating high school in Arkansas. His fondness for coffee grew during his 4 year enlistment. He traveled the world and enjoyed coffee beans from a multitude of countries, especially those grown in the Philippines and Thailand.
Post Military: While earning a degree at Arkansas State University, coffee became woven into the fabric of his everyday life.
Carter moved to the Kansas City area and was quickly introduced to the "coffee shop life" the city had to offer.
Carter spent 3 months in Costa Rica, living among the bright, red coffee plantations that expanded across the mountains. Costa Rican coffee surpassed others as his favorite.
Carter visited Peru with his wife, Jennifer. They hiked the Llactapata Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu. They visited a coffee plantation near the town of Lucmabamba. It was there, he learned the traditional method of roasting coffee beans in cast iron.
Carter began roasting his own coffee beans.
Carter created the My DOC Coffee Company.
For over 30 years, I have enjoyed starting my day with a great cup of coffee. It wasn’t until our vacation to Peru that I learned how good coffee could be with fresh beans and a good cast iron skillet. I tried this method when we got back home and started giving friends some of my fresh roasted coffee beans. Everyone loved the coffee and keeps asking for more!
I am proud to have served my country as a Marine after I graduated from High School. I love our country and am thankful for the freedoms that we have.
