About Gene Hicks Gourmet, Stomach Friendly, Low Acid Coffee
I was born and raised on a small farm in northwest Ohio, worked as a small farmer, and as a Quality Manager for Philips Electronics.
In the 1970's, I discovered Ely, Minnesota. For 23 years I made trips there. Like just about everyone who comes to Ely, I made a decision back then I would someday live in the beautiful northwoods city.
Meanwhile, having been fortunate to be able to catch fish most of the time, I decided to get more involved in the sport. I had a friend who lived nearby in Ohio who became a Fishery Manager for Lake Erie and the more I would guide and spend time with him, the more I learned. The more I learned, the more I searched for more information, especially on the Walleye species.
In remembrance of my Dad who taught me
the importance of honesty and fairness.
During my years of fishing and "mingling" with great fisherman, I was lucky enough to be asked to be on several companies' fishing programs. During this time, I had made a decision that I needed some decent coffee to drink on fishing trips and for meetings with customers at Philips. That was the start of my getting involved in the coffee field.
In 1995 with encouragement from many family and friends, along with help from several of the top companies in the fishing industry, I moved to Ely to pursue my dream. I brought along my personally designed coffee blends on fishing trips, and at the sport shows. Everyone loved them.
So, after retiring to pursue my dreams of living in Ely, and guiding, and the continuous phone calls from past customers asking if they could purchase some coffee from me, I decided to start selling my personal blends. I sold my first bag for profit in 1999, and the demand for it continues to grow. I hope you like it as well!
