Get to know Sean McGowan

To kick off 2025, we’re sitting down with Sean McGowan from the award-winning Montville Coffee—where great coffee meets purpose!

Roasted with passion on the sunny Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Montville Coffee is a proudly Fairtrade and Organic certified roastery, dedicated to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and, of course, brewing the perfect cup.

Join us as Sean shares his journey, what Fairtrade means to him, and why every sip of Montville Coffee tells a story worth savoring! ☕✨

 

Tell me something that excites you about your role within Montville Coffee?

We connect people through exceptional coffee and shared values, bringing our beliefs and core principles to life in everything we do. This allows my team and me to live authentically while fostering meaningful connections with customers and our network of Fairtrade Organic growers. Through storytelling and collaboration, we contribute to social change, one cup at a time, and that inspires me every day.

 

What are Montville Coffee’s sustainability priorities?

Our steadfast commitment to Fairtrade and Organic certified coffee has been the foundation of our sustainability priorities for over two decades. As a proud B Corp Certified company, we strive to minimise waste, champion community development locally and globally, and ensure our operations align with long-term environmental and social responsibility. We value our team deeply, prioritising their health and wellness as they play a vital role in achieving our mission and goals. 

 

What are the key challenges in achieving them, and what kind of leadership do you demonstrate?

Key challenges include managing the complexities of global supply chains, maintaining consistent access to ethically sourced coffee, and balancing business growth with environmental stewardship. We prioritise collaboration and innovation, fostering partnerships with industry groups like our not for profit FAN (Food and Agribusiness Network). We believe that working together locally is just as vital as collaborating globally, setting an example for sustainable and community-focused progress.

 

Can you share a career highlight with us?

We shared a memorable morning at the Noosa Farmers Market one Sunday with our growers from Papua New Guinea.
The Montville Coffee team stepped back and let our team focus on crafting exceptional coffee while the local community connected directly with ‘their’ growers. These moments allowed people to hear firsthand how vital we all are in creating a reliable future for disadvantaged communities. I love how these connections made through coffee have the power to last a lifetime.

 

Finally, what does Fairtrade mean for you and Montville Coffee?

Fairtrade means empowering farmers with fair prices, fostering sustainable livelihoods, and supporting communities worldwide. When Fairtrade is at play, the growers are empowered to be the change they deem necessary through investing their Fairtrade Premium. Fairtrade aligns with our values, and provides a more equitable coffee industry for small scale producers.
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