👖☕️ Denim creates delicious coffee for everyday folks— I’m so honored to specialize in photography for creative entrepreneurs and support their small businesses. This one is extra special, because, like Kris and I, these three are local, and also fellow Shippensburg University grads and thriving small business owners. And… they have *incredible coffee* So excited to feature the Denim Coffee team on my blog!
Why Rhinehart Photography?
The Denim Coffee team shares, “It was a bucket list experience to work with Lisa. When choosing a photographer to showcase our connection with Shippensburg University, our first and only choice was Lisa. She is an incredible talent and easy-going professional and it was an absolute treat to see our brand through her lens.”
Tony adds, “Having followed Lisa’s career from its inception, we knew she had the eye, creative mind, and expertise to help us weave together the story of Denim Coffee and our connection as alumni of Shippensburg University through photography.”
They continue, “We brought a simple idea, capture the three owners in front of the large SHIP letters, and Lisa ran with it, Creating a wonderful montage of photos far exceeding our expectations of what might be possible in a photoshoot like this.”
“We are absolutely thrilled with how the photos turned out. The photos are featured on Shippensburg University’s campus, where we proudly serve our coffee. These photos help tell our story to the campus community.”
Photography for Creative Entrepreneurs: The Brand
Tony Diehl shares, “Denim (jeans) and coffee are common threads, across diverse locations and socioeconomic levels. People from all walks of life wear denim, and we can all come together for a world-class coffee experience in our favorite denim jeans at our cafes. This inclusive spirit is at the heart of what we do at Denim Coffee.”
He continues, “Our vibe at Denim coffee is fun, approachable, and also professional. We take coffee very seriously, and we welcome anyone to come experience world-class coffee with us.”
Going Places: 10 locations in 10 years!
The team explains, “We set a goal of 10 cafes in 10 years as a feasible goal of what may be possible in an early expansion model. We will be opening our 8th Cafe later this year, our largest Cafe yet, in downtown Harrisburg. This will be eight cafes in 9 years, not bad considering a pandemic curveball thrown in the mix.”
“In the early years, Matt and Tony worked parallel careers while building Denim Coffee on the side in what available days and hours they could. After making a substantial investment in a new headquarters and new IMF Roaster from Italy, while trying to manage 60-plus employees across five locations, it was clear that a more dedicated effort would be needed. Matt and Tony were both able to go full-time with Denim Coffee in 2023 and 2024, respectively.”
“With their full attention, new headquarters and increased roasting capacity as well as a strong team, Denim Coffee is well positioned to follow their coffee dreams well into the future as they continue retail expansion and Flash chill canning initiatives.”
Why Ship Campus?
The team shares, “Denim Coffee’s roots run deep at Shippensburg University. All three owners are proud Alumni: Matt & Kristin Ramsay ’08 & Tony Diehl ’07.” (Kris and I are too, and were working this photo session together).
“Our vibe at Denim coffee is fun, approachable, but also professional. We take coffee very seriously, and we welcome anyone to come experience world-class coffee with us. With this in mind, we were immediately drawn to the large SHIP letters on campus. These would be easily recognizable for the campus, community, and alumni alike.”
They continue, “We knew that if we put ourselves in that environment and in the hands of Lisa, we had a winning combination for a photo shoot to help tell that story in a visually compelling way.”
Meet Matt & Kristin: Photography for Creative Entrepreneurs
Tony explains, “While at Ship, Matt worked in the campus cafe, McFeely’s, and discovered how coffee can contribute to community. With a popcorn popper and a journal, Matt began a lifetime of coffee roasting in his dorm room. He married Kristin in their senior year.”
“After graduating, Matt & Kristin ventured off to Huntington, PA to run a cafe and roaster. Tony continued his entrepreneurial endeavors, managing an indie rock band and running his own marketing and branding agency.”
Tony continues, “In 2011, Matt & Kristin found their way back to Shippensburg with a newly purchased coffee roaster, seeking a space to launch their new coffee business. The two wandered into an art center warehouse in Shippensburg, The Thought Lot, run by Tony and some friends as an art/music hub and entrepreneur incubator. A specialty coffee roaster was a perfect match for the space, and with a little help from Shippensburg Small Business Development Center at Shippensburg University, Matt & Kristin founded Denim Coffee.”
All Alumns & Me, too!
They share, “In 2016, we opened our first Cafe in downtown Carlisle. We went on to secure a home for our headquarters and roaster in Chambersburg. Denim Coffee now owns and operates seven cafes in Central Pennsylvania and boasts a roster of 30+ wholesale partners proudly serving Denim Coffee. Including SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY!
“We are proud to partner with Shippensburg University for dining hall and catering coffee needs. Cheers to better coffee at SU!”
Meet Tony: Marketing Guru
The team shares, “While Matt and Kristen met and married at Shippensburg University, they attended across 3 years with Tony, ’04-’07. However, we never crossed paths in college! We all met 3 years later when Matt and Kristen wandered into the Arts Center that Tony was building out with friends.”
The universe works in mysterious ways!
Tony explains his role, “In addition to helping Matt with operations and Cafe build-outs, my focus and expertise are marketing and branding. Specifically using the internet, photography, and video to share the story of Denim Coffee.
Photography for Creative Entrepreneurs: So Fun!
Reflecting on their experience, they conclude, “Having followed Lisa’s career for many years, it was a bucket list experience to work with such an incredible talent and easy-going professional and see our brand through her lens.”
“The results speak for themselves. Thank you, Lisa, for such a wonderful photo shoot. And, for helping us tell the story of this foundational aspect of our company with Shippensburg University.”
Reel: Denim Coffee
HUNGRY FOR MORE?
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CONTACT ME!
Are you a creative entrepreneur looking for scroll-stopping photos? Would you like a year’s worth of marking material in one day? I’m your girl! Contact me here, I’d love to hear all about it!