My wife and I own Grindhrs Co coffee. Toledo’s first and only LGBTQIA+ coffee shop/ safe space. This dream was to provide a space for the LGBTQIA+ community that is not center around drinking.
I have an extensive background in hospitality management, working for years and years in the hotel industry. The beauty of working in hotels is, you can go anywhere in the world you want. But for me, I ended up in downtown Toledo, falling in love with downtown Toledo. When I met my wife, she spoke a bit about the possibility of moving or trying to seek opportunities in other cities. But I saw this as an opportunity and a challenge, insisting on showing her all the things that make Toledo beautiful and unique.
Fast forward 6 years, we are married and own a coffee shop in the heart of downtown.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love and appreciate the creative aspects of creating a coffee drink menu.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
NA
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My wife and I would love to visit Greece someday! It is a beautiful travel destination, and is friendly and safe to LGBTQIA+ community, something we always need to consider when selecting a travel destination.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t let little setbacks keep you from following your passion. We were in the pre-opening stages when the pandemic happened. But we kept moving forward!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
My wife Leann. We rarely get to enjoy a lunch out, or any type of outings, because we are so busy, so this would be a treat for us! We would go to the garden by Poco Piatti at the Glass City park
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love so many things about Toledo, but I am specifically enthusiastic about the re-birth of downtown. I think it is so beautiful how older buildings are being revitalized, keeping the classic architecture styles
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Toledo Ballroom. My wife and I have been taking lessons for a few months, and we absolutely love it! We always truly look forward to our lessons. The instructors are so talented, kind and helpful!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My self and my wife. We are fairly self-motivated and driven, always striving to do better and be better for our community.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Toledo, Ohio, The Old West End. I am from Michigan originally, but Toledo, Ohio and the Old West End are home to me!
