Gold River, 2024: a new chapter in my family’s legacy begins. The rugged coastal mountains rise, jagged giants that cradle the glaciers that feed the Elk River, a lifeline weaving through this lush, mountainous land. I’ve come to plant my flag here. To forge a path much like my great-grandfather, Jack Bennett, did, but now in different times and far off the beaten path.
Heading west from Campbell River, a scenic drive through Strathcona Provincial Park brings you to Gold River, a small, rural west-coast community and the unique setting for Elk River Coffee Co. I’ve named my coffee company for the glacial waters of the Elk River [just outside Gold River] that nourish not just the land but our souls, and remind us of the delicate balance we must maintain.
The beginnings of Elk River Coffee Co.
This journey began when my wife suggested that we cut down on our monthly coffee expenses. I’ve always been passionate about coffee so, as a compromise, I decided to try roasting my own beans. The process was so rewarding, I was eventually inspired to start a coffee roasting business. Next came a deep dive into coffee farming, importing, and distribution. Understanding the intricacies of sourcing beans, building relationships with farmers and co-ops, and developing sustainable business practices was essential. Each cup, whether from Ethiopia, Peru, or Papua New Guinea, tells a story. This pursuit of knowledge wasn’t just about money. It was a calling—a way to connect the remote businesses, people, locals, and visitors of Nootka Sound with other rural communities around the globe.
As I navigated the realities of operating a complex business in a rural location, [Ralph Waldo] Emerson’s “Self-Reliance” essay echoed in my mind. In Gold River, self-reliance isn’t just a philosophical ideal; it’s a mantra, a way of life. Our family’s first year here, we endured a snowstorm that left us without power for a week. The challenges of this remote location demand resilience and resourcefulness. Every day is a lesson in Emerson’s belief
in the individual’s power and potential.
Expanding our reach to Campbell River and Courtenay was the next step. Each community, with its distinct character, welcomed our venture. Campbell River, known for its art scene, and Courtenay, with its festivals, provided fertile ground to launch our first products. The connections we made in these towns reflect the strength of community and prove to me that people are amazing.
Lessons learned in Gold River
Raising a one-year-old and a four-year-old in this remote environment adds another layer of complexity and joy. In Gold River, kids learn lessons not found in textbooks: the value of grit, the power of nature, and the importance of community. They’re growing up surrounded by real, untamed wilderness. The coastal mountains, trails, rivers, and lakes are teaching them respect and reverence for the natural world. This upbringing immersed in nature is shaping their character profoundly.
This wild West Coast adventure is not without its trials. Day-to-day life in Gold River, with its isolation and limited resources, requires a constant balancing act. The simplicity of rural living contrasts sharply with the demands of running a modern business. Yet it’s this very contrast that fuels the journey. Our business model is different by necessity. For the entrepreneur, problems encountered are opportunities for innovation. The challenges forge a deeper understanding of self-reliance and sustainability—principles that underpin Elk River Coffee Co.
As I go on my morning run down the empty two-lane highway, through the mossy green forests, where the mist rising off the Gold River hangs heavy and the air smells of earth and cedar, I think of my great-grandfather. Jack Bennett, an Irishman who carved out a life in a different world, would marvel at this rugged, coastal frontier. His spirit, a blend of hard-headedness and risk-taking, is alive in my endeavour. I’m certain he would see the long road my family and I have travelled and understand the drive to build something that connects past to present, local to global: a vision that is becoming real.
Picking up buzz
In Gold River, and now in Campbell River and Courtenay, our coffee company is picking up buzz. It’s more than a business. Each cup of coffee is a passport, a return ticket from our village to the rest of the world. As my children grow, they may one day decide to venture into that world to take their own risks. Until then, the success of this company in a small community that has faced economic pressures since the decline of its main industry sets an example. By embracing business connections with other communities, we combat the limiting beliefs about our community’s isolation, fostering more businesses and opportunities for the next generation.
The journey continues, with each day bringing micro-challenges that add up to macro success. This road has been a long one, but the destination is worth it. Guided by a vision that becomes clearer every day, I think of my son’s and daughter’s future. My great-grandfather’s legacy lives on—on an island he never saw—in the spirit of determination that drives us forward.
