Our Team

Arturo Peñarreta

Logistics Coordinator | Networking Expert

From the very beginning of Z Beans Coffee, Arturo Peñarreta has been a driving force behind the relationships and quality standards that define the company today. After meeting Shane during a Mercer on Mission trip in 2016, Arturo helped lay the foundation for Z Beans by connecting Shane with coffee farmers across Ecuador and opening the door to the partnerships that would become the backbone of the business. Since day one, Arturo has worked to strengthen relationships with farmers, attending coffee conferences, networking across regions, and helping Z Beans discover exceptional coffees rooted in trust and transparency.

Today, Arturo serves as Z Beans’ man on the ground in Ecuador, overseeing quality control from the earliest stages of sourcing to final processing. Before coffees are purchased, farmers send green coffee samples to Arturo for inspection, where he grades, roasts, and cups each lot before sharing recommendations with the team. After purchase, he continues monitoring quality by assessing humidity levels, inspecting bean condition, and ensuring every coffee meets the standards that allow Z Beans to consistently deliver exceptional coffee to customers.

  • Cassidy Hinson

    Mercer Village Shop Lead

  • Jordan Beattie

    Orange Park Shop Lead

  • Cody Thomas

    Ocala & West Marion Shop Lead

  • Nick & Michaela Reardon

    Florida Regional Operators

  • Allie Parker

    Augusta Shop Lead

  • Tyra Paulk

    St. Francis Shop Lead

  • Jazz Munoz

    Brandon Shop Lead

  • Ted Buerster

    Roast Master & Facility Foreman

  • Eden McNair

    Coffee Production Manager

  • Man wearing glasses and a black shirt in a store setting with shelves and branding in the background

    Darien Montano

    Food Production Manager

  • Melissa Buerster

    Customer Service Specialist

Shane Buerster

CEO & Chief Sales Officer

Shane founded Z Beans Coffee in 2016. His emphasis on relationship building, hard work, diligence, and trust has established a culture of camaraderie amongst all Z Beans employees in which each person understands their value in the company and has the ability to succeed not just with the team, but as individuals. Shane's dedication to always find a way is what drives Z Beans forward.

Carter Varga

COO - Z Beans Coffee

Carter joined Z Beans as an intern in 2017, full-time in May of 2018. The sacrifices he has made for the sake of Z Beans—for the belief in a mission and in the people of Ecuador—have enabled this company to succeed time and time again. Z Beans would surely not be where it is today without him. The ultimate teammate and business partner!

Ben West

Chief Financial Officer

Ben was meant to be the Z Beans CFO. Having met Shane one early morning by pure happenstance in 2017, it was clear from Day 1 that Ben had the competitive drive, knowledge, and will to take Z Beans to the next level. Z Beans has learned a lot over the years. Through many ups and downs, Ben is committed to overcoming any obstacle this company may face.

Mary Kathryn Stewart

Chief Marketing Officer

Mary Kathryn first came to Z Beans as a marketing intern in 2019, committing full-time in 2020 to eventually become the CMO. She has a rare combination of adaptability, creativity, business savvy, and most importantly, loyalty—an extremely intelligent individual. Each of us rely on her, yet she never waivers. Z Beans is forever grateful for her loyalty and commitment.

Max Burke

COO - Z Beans Coffee Shops

Max began as an intern in the summer of 2021, committing full-time later the same year. From the beginning, he filled a valuable role at Z Beans and has proven to have the same values that the company embodies. With his combination of competitive drive and outgoing personality, Max has been an incredibly valuable teammate!

Calis Etheridge

Chief of Staff and Culture

Calis joined the Z Beans family first as a barista where she quickly established herself as a worthy teammate, with strong leadership and organizational skills. She quickly rose to the challenge and is, today, Z Beans' Chief of Staff and Culture, pioneering our shop team's growth and relationships!

Meet the dedicated individuals behind Z Beans Coffee, a team committed to delivering exceptional Ecuadorian coffee through transparent trade practices. From our baristas to our executive leadership, each member plays a vital role in ensuring quality and sustainability. Our Our Team page highlights the diverse talents and stories that drive our mission forward.

Our team's commitment extends beyond coffee; it's about building relationships and fostering community. By working closely with Ecuadorian farmers, we ensure that every cup of coffee supports ethical sourcing and fair compensation. Learn more about our Equipo de Ecuador, the dedicated individuals who manage logistics and export coordination, ensuring that our coffee reaches you fresh and responsibly sourced.Z Beans Coffee+2Z Beans Coffee+2Z Beans Coffee+2

Transparency and sustainability are at the heart of our operations. Our team embodies these values, striving to make a positive impact from bean to cup. Discover how our collective efforts contribute to a more equitable coffee industry by visiting our Our Team page. Join us in celebrating the people who make Z Beans Coffee possible.