In this episode of Matters Not, Chris and Buck sit down with Alec, owner and founder of Hill Tree Roastery, for an in-depth conversation that explores far more than coffee alone. What begins as a discussion about specialty roasting quickly unfolds into a thoughtful dialogue on community, creativity, resilience, and purpose.

Alec shares his personal journey—from serving in Afghanistan and navigating post-military life, to working in healthcare, experimenting with art, and ultimately finding his calling in coffee. He explains how Hill Tree Roastery was built on the principles of third-wave coffee culture, sustainability, and education, with a strong emphasis on honoring farmers, understanding origins, and creating meaningful connections through a shared craft.

The conversation dives into the science and artistry behind coffee roasting, flavor pairing, and brewing methods, while also touching on larger themes such as self-competition, growth through curiosity, and building something bigger than oneself. Alec discusses the challenges of sourcing ethically grown coffee, the realities of small business ownership, and his vision for strengthening Appalachian coffee culture through education, collaboration, and community investment.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Buck balance technical insight with humor and candid reflection, making this a grounded, engaging conversation about passion-driven work, lifelong learning, and the quiet impact of doing things the right way—even when it’s harder.

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