Who we are

Our Story

From Coffee Enthusiast to Artisan Roaster
by Lee Ulrich – Beanroaster / The Coffee Guy 

My love for coffee started with a simple mission: to find the perfect brew. Dissatisfied with store-bought options, I began exploring different beans and brewing methods, learning to appreciate the flavor, freshness, and complexity of truly great coffee.

In the early 2000s, a discontinued favorite blend pushed me into experimenting with home roasting.  By 2005, I was roasting my own coffee and sharing it with others. What began as a hobby quickly grew into something more.

When someone asked to buy a bag of my roasted beans, and a friend later requested a donation for a local banquet, I knew it was time to take the next step. With a small commercial roaster and the support of family and friends, L&L Coffee Co. was born in 2006.

Growth & Evolution

By 2009, increasing demand led us to a larger facility in the Hubbard Industrial Park, where we revitalized a building affected by the 2008 flood. To reflect our focus on roasting we rebranded as Iowa Coffee Roasters, committed to delivering fresh-roasted coffee, creating custom blends, and offering exceptional customer service.

In 2017, we moved again—this time to a larger roasting facility in Marion, Iowa. By 2019, we opened our retail store, Beans Teas & Other Things, and upgraded to a 20-kilo state-of-the-art roaster to keep up with demand and quality standards.

A New Chapter: Lighthouse Coffee & Tea

Today, we’re thrilled to expand our journey with the launch of Lighthouse Coffee & Tea in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area. While we’ll initially fulfill orders from Iowa, we’re actively working to establish a new retail and roasting facility in North Carolina to serve this growing community of coffee lovers.

Guided by Purpose

Throughout my journey, my faith has been vital. God has been constant and unchanging—a true Lighthouse, guiding and directing me through every step of this coffee journey. His voice is the one I listen for, and He is the rock on which I stand.

This next chapter is not just about coffee—it's about sharing a greater purpose, fostering connection, and pouring excellence into every cup.