Army Ranger Veteran Launches Specialty Coffee Company

Trévon Sailor trades tactical gear for the coffee industry with his brand Sailor's Brew

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Trévon Sailor, an Army Airborne Ranger veteran and former Pasadena police officer, has founded Sailor's Brew Coffee after a life-changing trip to Colombia sparked his interest in specialty coffee. Sailor's journey from the military to law enforcement to coffee entrepreneur showcases his discipline, purpose, and a philosophy of 'Boldly Set Sail' that he shares in his new book.

Why it matters

Sailor's story highlights how military service and law enforcement experience can translate to entrepreneurship in unexpected ways. His mission to provide a 'true coffee experience' for customers also reflects a growing consumer demand for high-quality, ethically-sourced specialty coffee products.

The details

After his financial aid was revoked, Sailor enlisted in the Army and served over four years, including a deployment to Iraq. He was selected for Ranger school but was dismissed for a minor infraction. Sailor then joined the Pasadena Police Department, where he responded to mass shootings and worked on the SWAT team and a DEA Task Force. A 2018 trip to Colombia sparked Sailor's interest in coffee, leading him to found Sailor's Brew and focus on 'high-quality, specialty coffees' rather than commercial-grade options.

  • Sailor enlisted in the Army in 2009, following his high school graduation.
  • Sailor served in the Army for a little over four years, including a deployment to Iraq.
  • Sailor joined the Pasadena Police Department after his military service.
  • Sailor took a trip to Colombia in 2018 that changed the trajectory of his career.
  • Sailor founded Sailor's Brew Coffee after his trip to Colombia.

The players

Trévon Sailor

An Army Airborne Ranger veteran and former Pasadena police officer who founded Sailor's Brew Coffee.

Sailor's Brew Coffee

A specialty coffee company founded by Trévon Sailor, focused on providing a 'true coffee experience' for customers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Set a goal, and stay on course until you reach that goal, with the understanding that it's not going to be a smooth transition.”

— Trévon Sailor, Founder, Sailor's Brew Coffee

“You know, a lot of us grew up drinking, like, the Folgers or Maxwell. Yes, that's coffee, but that's commercial grade; that's not a true coffee experience.”

— Trévon Sailor, Founder, Sailor's Brew Coffee

What’s next

Sailor plans to continue growing Sailor's Brew Coffee and sharing his 'Boldly Set Sail' philosophy through his new book and other entrepreneurial ventures.

The takeaway

Trévon Sailor's journey from Army Ranger to police officer to coffee entrepreneur showcases how military discipline, purpose, and resilience can translate to successful business ventures, especially in emerging industries like specialty coffee that align with personal passions.