EPISODE · May 19, 2026 · 55 MIN
Episode 004 – Ian Duncan – The Grind Roasters
from Listen LowCo · host Matt Holmes and Patrick Malone
In this episode of Listen LowCo, Matt and Patrick sit down with Ian Duncan, founder of The Grind Roasters, to talk about entrepreneurship, community, coffee culture, and the rapid growth happening across Bluffton and the South Carolina Lowcountry.Ian shares his journey from growing up in Kansas and working in landscaping to discovering specialty coffee, launching a roasting company, and eventually building one of Bluffton’s most recognizable local coffee brands. The conversation explores what it really takes to grow a small business in a fast-changing market — from hiring challenges and rising rents to networking, marketing, and scaling multiple locations.They discuss:Starting a coffee business from scratchGrowing The Grind from wholesale roasting to two storefrontsThe evolution of Bluffton since 2008Coffee shop culture and community spacesMarketing strategies for local businessesThe challenges of hiring and retaining employeesRising commercial rent and development in the LowcountryWhy networking groups like BNI and Rotary matterEntrepreneurship, systems, and scaling operationsThe future growth of Bluffton and surrounding areasIan also talks about The Grind’s wholesale coffee operation, local partnerships, upcoming menu additions, event catering, and how creating an inviting community-focused environment became a key part of the brand’s success.🎙️ Listen LowCo highlights entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry, sharing real stories and practical lessons about building businesses and community.
What this episode covers
In this episode of Listen LowCo, Matt and Patrick sit down with Ian Duncan, founder of The Grind Roasters, to talk about entrepreneurship, community, coffee culture, and the rapid growth happening across Bluffton and the South Carolina Lowcountry.Ian shares his journey from growing up in Kansas and working in landscaping to discovering specialty coffee, launching a roasting company, and eventually building one of Bluffton’s most recognizable local coffee brands. The conversation explores what it really takes to grow a small business in a fast-changing market — from hiring challenges and rising rents to networking, marketing, and scaling multiple locations.They discuss:Starting a coffee business from scratchGrowing The Grind from wholesale roasting to two storefrontsThe evolution of Bluffton since 2008Coffee shop culture and community spacesMarketing strategies for local businessesThe challenges of hiring and retaining employeesRising commercial rent and development in the LowcountryWhy networking groups like BNI and Rotary matterEntrepreneurship, systems, and scaling operationsThe future growth of Bluffton and surrounding areasIan also talks about The Grind’s wholesale coffee operation, local partnerships, upcoming menu additions, event catering, and how creating an inviting community-focused environment became a key part of the brand’s success.🎙️ Listen LowCo highlights entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry, sharing real stories and practical lessons about building businesses and community.
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Episode 004 – Ian Duncan – The Grind Roasters
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