Deion Sanders, “Coach Prime,” has become an investor in one of Iowa’s fastest-growing companies.
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, BLK & Bold achieved this feat for the past three years for being disruptors in the coffee industry, making it onto the Inc. 5000 list. The company was founded in 2018 by Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson and prides itself on delivering customers high-quality and freshly roasted specialty coffees and loose leaf teas such as chai, matcha, and lemon ginger, among others.
“Accessibility to premium coffee and quality products go hand in hand, but it is important to normalize that experience in coffee,” Cezar told AFROTECH™ at the time. “When we talk about both, it’s easy to let go of the vision of the conscious consumer, especially in something as high commodity as coffee — the second-highest consumer beverage in America — but this does not have to be the case. When you allow that high volume of purchasing experience, not only do you have better quality of consumption, but a way more intentional impact that even highlights to consumers how their choices matter.”
Company Growth
BLK & Bold was earning $8.5 million by 2022 and anticipated $12 million for 2023, per Inc. magazine, and has scaled its products to reach more than 11,000 stores, including Albertsons, Target, Amazon, Walgreens, and Giant, according to a press release shared with AFROTECH™.
On top of that, the founders operate their business with a mission centered around contributing to the community. They give 5% of profits to nonprofit organizations that empower the youth.
Deion Sanders Becomes Co-Owner
This has attracted the attention of Deion Sanders, head coach of the University of Colorado’s Buffaloes football team, who has been named a co-owner of the company.
“Joining BLK & Bold is more than just a business move for me—it’s about making a LASTING IMPACT,” Sanders explained in the news release. “I’ve always believed in the power of giving back and uplifting others, and with BLK & Bold, we have the perfect platform to do just that.”
Johnson commented:
“From the very beginning, our vision for BLK & Bold was not just about creating and selling coffee and tea products, but also about brewing positive change in the communities that need it most. The addition of Coach Prime to our team is a special moment for us. We recognize and applaud his efforts to provide safe spaces and opportunities for underserved youth, and it is an honor to continue serving our community together.”
Sanders will now work closely with the company on marketing, creative, business development, and strategic partnerships.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Coach Prime to the BLK & Bold family,” Cezar added. “His commitment to excellence, passion for positive change, and unparalleled influence align perfectly with our values and vision. Together, we aim to inspire, educate, and drive meaningful impact within our communities.”
