Building a Coffee Culture
Windmill Coffee Roasters is quietly shaping a coffee culture across Central Iowa. Founded by Andrew Burgason, Windmill emerged from a family legacy of coffee excellence. Andrew’s father opened Burgies Coffee & Tea in 1997, but as Andrew recalls, the need for a dedicated roasting operation quickly became clear.
“We started roasting simply to supply our own shop,” says Burgason. “But as more local cafés and businesses sought high-quality beans, we realized Iowa needed an independent wholesale roaster that could both deliver exceptional coffee and foster meaningful relationships across the supply chain.”
Today, Windmill sources coffee from 12 countries spanning Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Each coffee has its own journey, often involving dozens—if not hundreds—of hands before it reaches the roaster. Andrew emphasizes the intentional relationships they’ve built with producers.
“Quality is the most important thing,” Burgason explains. “Just as important is continuing the relationship. We’ve sought out producers we know by name. In El Salvador, we have a decade old relationship with producer Anny Ruth. In Costa Rica, we buy the majority of our coffee from Javier, a producer we continue to connect with over Instagram. Our commitment allowed him to expand his business. That’s what coffee is all about—honoring the process and the people.”
Windmill’s purchasing decisions are guided by quality, price, and integrity. They sample each coffee, commit to specific quantities, and sign contracts that ensure producers receive a fair return. It can take two to three months for coffee to travel from origin to their roastery in Ames, but that time and investment underscore Windmill’s dedication to ethical sourcing.
“Coffee is seasonal,” Burgason notes. “Some regions have multiple harvests, while others have just one. We rotate through coffees every few months, so there’s always something new—but always something exceptional.”
Expanding Beyond the Bean
Windmill’s mission extends beyond roasting. The team is actively building an ecosystem to support Iowa’s independent coffee shops. From offering wholesale support and equipment repairs to serving as a sort of incubator for new cafés, Windmill is dedicated to elevating the region’s coffee scene.
“My vision for Windmill is to connect the dots even more,” says Burgason. “I want to help our partners understand where their coffee comes from and how it impacts the entire supply chain. Coffee is a scarce commodity. The more education and transparency we provide, the more we can raise the value of every cup.”
Looking ahead, Windmill Coffee Roasters continues to grow its network across Central Iowa, championing both quality and community. For Andrew, each bag of roasted beans represents a global story—one of countless hours, hands, and traditions—that deserves to be shared.
Learn more about Windmill Coffee Roasters online at: www.windmillcoffee.com
