SOLID Coffee Roasters: The Pursuit of a Better Brew with Daniel Kam

Daniel Kam’s story begins with a simple mission: to make specialty coffee more accessible. Founded in 2013, SOLID Coffee Roasters initially set out to support non-profits and corporate organizations by providing premium coffee at an attainable price. "We built an online platform that combined all the logistics of specialty coffee, custom printing for private labels, and supply chain management," Daniel explains.

It was this thoughtful approach that allowed SOLID to bring expertly sourced and meticulously roasted coffee to a wider audience. But they were eager to do more.

"We invested time and money to source specialty coffee from around the world," Daniel shares, reflecting on the company’s early days. This commitment led to the creation of a roastery within a printing company and even supported their lead roaster in becoming a certified master roaster by the Specialty Coffee Association and Roasters Guild. It’s this dedication to excellence that laid the foundation for what SOLID would become.

By 2017, SOLID had taken its operations to the next level, opening a flagship café and roastery in Artesia, CA. "The café was immediately met with huge support," Daniel recalls. "It’s been a staple in the neighborhood ever since." The success of the café marked a pivotal moment for SOLID as they began to deepen their impact within the coffee community.

One of the most transformative moments came in 2018 when SOLID made a direct investment into a family coffee farm in Colombia. This wasn’t just a business decision—it was a chance to forge a meaningful connection with the source of their coffee, as well as the land that it originates from. It’s an effort that underscores SOLID’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

"Since our investment in the farm, we’ve been able to help build a new wet mill, install a dozen shaded drying beds, and even purchase donkeys and wagons to assist the farmers in the fields," Daniel explains. Beyond that, SOLID’s investment also helped sponsor over 500 children of farmers with school supplies. This personal connection ensures that every cup of SOLID coffee has an impact.

The collaboration between SOLID Coffee Roasters and VSSL originated through VSSL’s Nomadic Coffee Lab. A symbiotic partnership between two organizations integrated into the outdoor community. Rooted in shared values of quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability, it was a natural fit. "While VSSL focuses on premium outdoor gear, their attention to detail, durability, and thoughtful design mirrors SOLID’s approach to sourcing and roasting coffee," Daniel explains.

This partnership isn’t just about aligning brand philosophies; it’s about elevating the coffee experience for the VSSL community. "What excites me most about sharing our coffee with the VSSL community is the opportunity to connect with people who value quality and adventure," Daniel shares. "I hope our coffee enhances the brewing experience by bringing out the rich, complex flavors that elevate those moments."

"We see coffee as an experience to be savored," Daniel adds, emphasizing the intentionality behind every cup. "It’s about creating balance, honoring the craft, and sharing stories from the farm to the table." This sentiment resonates with VSSL, as they aim to extend the reach of meaningful brews to the depths of the backcountry and beyond.

As part of their collaboration with VSSL, SOLID’s coffee is now available to an audience that values both quality and adventure. VSSL’s durable, portable brewing systems provide a seamless way to enjoy SOLID’s exceptional roasts whether at home or deep in the wilderness. The Nest Pour Over Kit and Java Grinders allow coffee lovers to prepare a fresh, high-quality cup no matter where their journey takes them.

"VSSL’s focus on high-performance gear means that their brewing tools are built to last and easy to use," Daniel notes. "It aligns with our mission of making great coffee more accessible while maintaining a strong connection to quality and sustainability."

For coffee lovers who appreciate the ritual of grinding fresh beans and brewing with precision, the Java G25 and G45 Grinders offer an exceptional level of control. Whether adjusting grind size for a pour-over or French press, the combination of SOLID’s expertly roasted beans and VSSL’s thoughtfully designed equipment makes for an unmatched coffee experience.

To celebrate this partnership and share the magic of SOLID coffee, customers who spend $100 or more on the VSSL website from February 7th to February 14th will receive a free bag of SOLID coffee, while supplies last! Don’t miss the chance to experience the exceptional quality and flavor that define SOLID Coffee Roasters.

From its humble beginnings to its commitment to sustainability and partnerships, SOLID Coffee Roasters is a story of passion, precision, and purpose. And through collaborations like the one with VSSL, Daniel Kam’s vision for exceptional coffee continues to inspire—one remarkable cup at a time.