[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 203 (Wednesday, December 2, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7174-S7175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING LUCKY GOAT COFFEE COMPANY

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, chairman of the Senate Committee on 
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small 
business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit at the 
heart of our country. It is my privilege to recognize a family-owned 
business that invests heavily in its customers, employees, and 
community. Today, it is my honor to name the Lucky Goat Coffee Company 
of Tallahassee, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  In 2010, Ben Pautsch founded Lucky Goat Coffee Company as a coffee 
wholesale and distribution company. Ben, a graduate of Florida State 
University--FSU--focused on providing high-quality beans to local 
coffee cafes. The Tallahassee-based business grew quickly as orders 
poured in. Their reputation for roasting the best grounds led to the 
creation of the first Lucky Goat coffee shop in 2015. The appealing 
storefront and large warehouse allowed Lucky Goat to spread their 
knowledge and passion for coffee through various classes and tours, 
strengthening their customer relationships in the process.
  Today, Lucky Goat Coffee has grown to include five coffee shops in 
Tallahassee and a franchise location in Jacksonville. Their 
Tallahassee-based headquarters provides more than 350 wholesale 
customers across the country with

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premium coffee beans. Ben keeps his strong relationship with FSU. Lucky 
Goat Coffee products are featured on campus, and Ben regularly hires 
FSU students and alumni. From the start, Ben has been committed to 
creating dignified work. He prioritizes career development and 
professional growth for his employees, with one-time baristas moving up 
to serve in senior management within the company.
  Over the years, Lucky Goat Coffee has been recognized for its growth 
and remained committed to investing in its community. In 2017, then-
Governor Rick Scott recognized Lucky Goat Coffee with a Governor's 
Business Ambassador Award. As one of the 100 fastest growing companies 
owned or led by Florida State University alumnus, Lucky Goat Coffee was 
named to the Seminole 100 in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Ben mentors young 
entrepreneurs interested in the coffee industry, and Lucky Goat Coffee 
supports local youth-focused organizations, including local Little 
League teams and Cub Scouts. They also help Leon County Schools, 
donating much-needed school supplies for students and equipment, 
including coffee, for the teachers.
  Like many Florida small businesses, Lucky Goat Coffee suffered a 
severe decline in revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. In April 
2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration launched the Paycheck 
Protection Program, a small business relief program that I was proud to 
author. The PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small businesses 
and nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
A PPP loan gave Lucky Goat the support it needed to retain its 
employees and survive the pandemic.
  Lucky Goat Coffee is a notable example of a small business that 
provides dignified work to its employees and invests in its community. 
Through their passion and generosity, Lucky Goat fuels Floridians every 
day with its delicious coffee and supports them through community 
service.
  Congratulations to Ben and the entire team at Lucky Goat. I look 
forward to your continued success.

                          ____________________