Heather Brisson

Background

About Heather Brisson

With over a decade of experience in the specialty coffee industry, I’ve dedicated myself to pushing the boundaries of quality, innovation, and sustainability in every role I’ve held. My journey began as a barista in the Midwest, where I fell in love with coffee’s potential to connect people, and has since taken me to Portland, OR, where I had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented individuals in the industry. I later moved to San Diego, where I became the Head Roaster at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, an award-winning company known for its commitment to exceptional coffee. There, I honed my expertise in green coffee sourcing, roast profile development, and quality control. I also played a key role in opening a new production facility, further deepening my understanding of the operational side of the business. Today, I’m proud to be the owner and operator of Origin Coffee Roasters in Maui, where I continue to innovate and lead in the specialty coffee space. In addition to managing day-to-day operations, I launched a Ready-to-Drink cold brew manufacturing branch, established a food safety program, and led the company through some of its most challenging times, including the pandemic and the Maui fires of 2023. Throughout my career, I’ve embraced every challenge, wearing multiple hats and learning from each experience. The skills and insights I’ve gained—from sourcing and roasting to managing a business in crisis—are some of the greatest tools I use every day as I continue to drive excellence in the coffee industry.