Brandon Hebert ('16) - Apotheos Roastery

By Brittney Kimber     

Apotheos Roastery in Kennesaw, Georgia, is more than a coffee roastery. According to Jax State alum Brandon Hebert ('16), partner and head of sales for the company, his team provides dependable service and the right solutions for businesses looking to serve better coffee. 

Hebert said it's rewarding to be part of a small team where everyone works toward the same goal and sees results firsthand.

"I spent the last seven years in corporate sales, and while I learned a tremendous amount during that time, I always had the desire to help build something from the ground up," Hebert said. "When the opportunity came along to join Apotheos, I saw a chance to take what I'd learned and apply it to a growing business where I could have a direct impact."

Hebert said quality, organization, efficiency, and giving back make the roastery unique.

"We take a lot of pride in the coffee we roast, but I think what really makes us different is how we approach the business. We want to be easy to work with, dependable, and genuinely invested in the success of our customers," Hebert said. "We're intentional about giving back to the communities that support us. I believe a business can be successful while also doing some real good along the way."

Apotheos Roastery offers custom roasting, private-label coffee, equipment guidance, training, and tastings. They also provide demonstrations to help patrons better understand what goes into a good cup of coffee.

"We serve a wide range of customers, from local cafés and restaurants to offices, distributors, and people ordering coffee for their home. Each one has different needs, and we want to be able to meet them where they are," Hebert said.

His favorite is the Daily Blend, noting it's a great everyday coffee. It’s what he likes to call a “Hug in a Mug,” with notes of dark chocolate and warm spices.

“Honestly, it's the one I find myself going back to," Hebert said. "We also have seasonal offerings throughout the year. I really enjoy the Honey Washed Colombia we have right now.” He noted a Holiday Blend, released on November 1, is an “awesome seasonal addition” to the roastery’s lineup. 

A community-focused coffee company, Hebert said his team believes really good coffee should be accessible without having to pay a premium for it. They are also creating opportunities to partner with organizations, schools, and nonprofits through fundraising and additional programs to give back.

Hebert is applying what he has learned throughout his career — hustle, the willingness to learn, and genuinely caring about people.

"I've always believed you have to be willing to separate yourself from the crowd. Not because you're necessarily smarter or more talented than anyone else, but because you're willing to put in the work and do the things other people might overlook. Early in my career, I learned that sales gets a bad reputation because too many people focus on making the sale instead of taking care of the customer. I've always tried to approach it differently. I want to understand what someone actually needs and find a way to help them," Hebert said.  

"I also believe your word means something. If you tell someone you're going to do something, do it. That sounds simple, but I think it's one of the most important qualities a person can have in business. I've learned to be realistic about what I can deliver. It's easy to make big promises, but building a reputation on consistently following through is worth a lot more."

Hebert said the most rewarding aspect of his professional journey has been the people. He has been fortunate to work with people across different industries and said it's the people who have made the work meaningful. 

"Some of the people I originally met through business have become good friends, and I think that's pretty special. There's also something incredibly rewarding about seeing someone succeed and knowing you played even a small part in helping them get there," Hebert said.

"At the end of the day, I don't think I'll look back on my career and remember every sale I made. I'll remember the people I met, the relationships I built, and hopefully the positive impact I was able to have."

Hebert credits Jax State for giving him the opportunity to grow and learn how to build relationships and connect with people from different backgrounds.

"I think one of the most valuable things about my time there was the sense of community. It's a university where you can genuinely get to know your professors, become involved, and build relationships that last long after graduation," Hebert said. "Those experiences helped shape the way I approach people and business today. The ability to communicate, build trust, and work with different personalities has been just as valuable in my career as anything I learned in a classroom."

He has enjoyed watching the university grow and the impact it's having beyond Jacksonville.

"There's a lot of pride that comes with being a Gamecock. I'll always be excited to come back, reconnect with people, and see what the university is doing next. There's a reason they call it the Friendliest Campus in the South, and I'm proud to be a part of that community," Hebert said.

"On a personal note, I'd love to connect with fellow Gamecocks. Whether it's about coffee, business, or Jacksonville State, I'm always happy to have a conversation." 

Learn more about Apotheos Roastery by visiting the website or contact Hebert at brandonhebert@commongrounds-coffee.com.

"We love connecting with people, whether they're looking for coffee for their home, their business, or just want to learn more about what we do."