Founded in Colorado. Shaped by Place, People, and Process
First Light Coffee Co. was founded in Colorado in 2019 with a simple belief: great coffee comes from paying attention to the details that matter. From sourcing to roasting to brewing, we focus on nuance, balance, and restraint—because that’s where the best cups are made.
Our story spans coastlines and cultures. From early mornings in New England to years spent in Hawaii, with roots in El Salvador and Ireland, coffee has always been a part of how we connect—to place, to people, and to daily ritual. Those experiences continue to shape how we think about flavor, community, and craft.
We roast in small batches, intentionally, and patiently, letting each coffee express where it comes from. No shortcuts. No trends. Just coffee roasted to be enjoyed every day—whether it’s your first cup before sunrise or the one you come back to after a long day outside.
Sourced With Intention. Built on Relationships
We believe exceptional coffee starts long before it ever reaches the roaster. That’s why sourcing isn’t a transaction for us—it’s a relationship.
Whenever possible, we work directly with farms and trusted cooperatives, traveling to origin to understand how each coffee is grown, harvested, and processed. Being present matters. It allows us to source fresher green coffee, support long-term partnerships, and ensure the people behind the coffee are treated with respect and transparency.
Our approach balances idealism with reality. While direct relationships are the goal, we also work with select importers who share our values and have proven their commitment to growers, quality, and sustainability. What matters most is alignment on integrity, traceability, and care at every step.
The result is coffee that reflects its origin honestly. Coffee that supports communities abroad while becoming part of daily life at home. And coffee that tastes better because of the relationships behind it.
Our Team
Lonnie Valencia
Founder and RoasterLonnie’s relationship with coffee started early hand-picking coffee as a teenager in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, and learning every step of the process from the ground up. That experience sparked a lifelong appreciation for how origin, processing, and roasting shape flavor.
Outside of roasting, you’ll usually find him in the mountains or planning the next trip—always chasing places, stories, and coffees worth remembering.
Co-founder & Brand Director
Jackie Valencia
Jackie brings balance to First Light Coffee Co. connecting the craft or roasting with the people who drink the coffee. With a background rooted in community and relationships, she focuses on making sure every customer experience reflects the values behind the brand.
An outdoor enthusiast and traveler at heart, Jackie believes coffee is best when it brings people together—at home, on the road, or wherever the day begins.