We are honored to be featured by journalists, filmmakers, and organizations highlighting both our coffee and our purpose. Explore a selection of stories about I Have a Bean and our earlier company name, Second Chance Coffee Company.
Featured Articles & Profiles
Fresh Cup Magazine — April 2025
How Coffee Roasters Are Offering Formerly Incarcerated People a New Path Forward
Industry feature by Fionn Pooler highlighting I Have a Bean and other roasters creating opportunity.
Read →Patch (Wheaton) — March 2023
Employees Find Purpose Post-Prison at I Have A Bean in Wheaton
Spotlight on our team and mission in the Wheaton community.
Read →Prison Fellowship — March 2017
I Have a Bean: Quality Coffee by Returning Neighbors
A feature on how we roast top-1% beans and create meaningful employment for post-prison individuals.
Read →Daily Herald — May 2016
Felons Find a Fresh Start at Wheaton Coffee Company
Local feature on purpose, redemption, and excellent coffee.
Read →Fresh Cup Magazine — March 2015
Out of Jail, Into Espresso
Early feature by Jodi Helmer on our founding and mission.
Read →ABC 7 Chicago — August 2013
Spirit of Giving: Former Inmates Get a ‘Second Chance’ at Coffee Company
Early coverage of our Wheaton roastery and mission-driven work.
Watch / Read →Daily Herald — September 2011
Wheaton Business Gives Ex-Cons a Chance
Early coverage of our founding vision.
Read →Case Studies & Social-Impact Spotlights
AIM2Flourish
Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ)
Prison Fellowship — Second Chance Month Report
Ten Companies in the Business of Second Chances
I Have a Bean featured among national leaders in second-chance employment.
View →Film
Seattle Pacific University — Faith & Co. Series
The Top 1%: I Have a Bean
A short film on coffee, redemption, and faith in business.
Watch → YouTube Channel →Community & Local Mentions
Daily Herald — June 2024
Illinois Led on Bail Reform — and It’s Working
Column mentioning Pete Leonard and I Have a Bean in the context of re-entry success stories. (Note: The Headline for the article was not written by Mr. Leonard, nor approved by him. It was far too early for the words "and it's working." because as I wrote "We look forward to outcomes information as it becomes available to the State of Illinois so that any changes necessary to ensure the intended consequences of the law can be made." ...but that got eliminated in editing.
Read →Daily Herald — April 2024
Bonjour, Spring: Wheaton French Market Returns
Local coverage featuring I Have a Bean at the Wheaton French Market.
Read →If you have featured I Have a Bean and do not see your story listed here, please get in touch. We are grateful for every story that helps share our mission.