About Topics
Our purpose is defined by advocating for nonprofit organizations, connecting people to their communities, and providing customers with an unforgettable shopping experience.
Our Core Values
As a "community first" based business, our internal core values are defined below and reflect the one thing we base every decision on - S.E.R.V.E
Serve Others
Embrace Empathy
Remain Driven
Value Each Other
Embody Positivity
Our Story
Can you remember a time when you’ve helped someone in desperate need, and an uncontrollable emotion and satisfaction came over you?
When you help someone or donate, your brain releases hormones that can boost your mood: Oxytocin, Serotonin, Dopamine, and Endorphins. These hormones can counteract stress hormones, boost self-esteem, elevate happiness, combat feelings of depression and increase feelings of social connection.
Our founder, Jason Rodriguez, developed a profound connection and realization around this feeling of giving back. It became an intrinsic part of his character and eventually evolved into the main pillar of the brand.
Click below to hear the founder's story about giving back but never giving up!
Our Logo
Keeping the Spirit of Daisy Alive
In 2005, our logo was created by Daisy Martinez, based on a sketch our founder and his friend Rupen drew on a napkin.
In July 2009, Daisy lost her battle against cancer shortly after we reached out to Daisy's mom to make a promise to honor her spirit by preserving the logo in tribute to her.
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Meet The Team
Jason A. Rodriguez
Founder & Head of Partnerships
With 20 plus years of experience in the IT field, Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and a dedication to excellence to his professional endeavors. His genuine love for people and community and a passion for the craftsmanship it takes to ethically source and prepare specialty products ultimately led Jason to establish Topics Coffee.
Jason enjoys at-home movie nights with the family, some cheese and crackers, road trips, hip-hop, classic rock, country, salsa music, writing, listening to audiobooks, podcasts and freshly made coffee from the expresso machine, with no sugar, just steamed milk - Yummy!
Brenan Okumu
Head of Operations
Brenan, with 10 years years of experience, is a seasoned e-commerce professional adept at delivering exceptional customer support, crafting effective marketing strategies, and optimizing logistics and operations. Whether it be cross-functional collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement, Brenan is passionate about driving business growth and enhancing customer satisfaction through innovative solutions.
Outside of work, Brenan is driven by pushing his body to the limit by tackling various workouts and training regimens. Similar to professional ambitions, Brenan is driven on utilizing the body to its maximum capabilities.
Ali Stackpole
Head of Creative
Ali, with 15 years of advertising experience across big-name agencies and startups, has recently founded their own agency, but is truly an artist at heart. They're passionate about AI, integrating cutting-edge technology into marketing strategies. Outside work, Ali enjoys live entertainment with friends, values time with their partner, and cherishes moments with their four fur babies.
Ali loves cold brew—black with a little sugar, pitbulls and metal music. They can often be found exploring pop-up shows, galleries, museums, plays, variety shows, comedy and all kinds of live music events.