About Us

OUR FOUNDER

TJ Friedmann was born in St. Louis, Missouri, however his journey has taken him to many different cities chasing his dreams of professional hockey. This dream saw him move away from home at the age of 16 taking him to Springfield, IL, Detroit, MI, Green Bay, WI, and Victoria BC, Canada. While playing for the Victoria Grizzlies, Friedmann received a scholarship to play NCAA Division 1 Hockey for the Quinnipiac Bobcats of Hamden, CT. Friedmann spent five years as a Bobcat, receiving his B.S. in Finance as well as completing his Master of Business Administration. Before graduating with his MBA, Friedmann and his teammates captured the 2023 National Championship, defeating the Minnesota Gophers 3-2 in OT. This catapulted him to the pro ranks, signing his first professional contract in the New Jersey Devils’ organization where he has spent time in the American Hockey League as well as the East Coast Hockey League with the Utica Comets and the Adirondack Thunder. 

Not only did he leave Hamden with some hardware, he also found a “furever” friend during his junior year. This friend came with four legs, a white coat with brown spots, and a massive personality. Charlie Bleu was adopted from A Pups Pizzaz Rescue, a shelter not too far from Quinnipiac’s campus, in September of 2021. They have been inseparable ever since. Charlie has traveled with Friedmann to every new city his journey has taken him to providing companionship, love, and so much more! With a few business degrees in his back pocket, Friedmann decided it was time to start giving back to the dog, and community, that has given him so much. 

OUR STORY

Charlie Bleu Coffee Company was founded July 30, 2024 and began operations in October of 2024. Our mission is simple: provide great tasting coffee to customers while also helping better the lives of animals in need. That’s why 15% of all proceeds are donated to shelters helping provide care for these animals! You hear far too many stories of great pets that are stuck at these shelters, which can lead to a strain on the finances of said shelter. Whether it is a medical bill, paying for their food and toys, or simply just keeping the lights on and the water running, we want to help make a difference! Here at Charlie Bleu Coffee Company, we believe all animals deserve a shot at that “furever” home. 

Whether you enjoy coffee or just love helping animals, we appreciate any orders, social media shares, or word of mouth to help us get our name and mission out there. The more coffee we sell, the more animals we can help in the long run! 

Connect with us on Instagram @charliebleucoffee or by clicking the icon at the bottom of the page!

OUR COFFEE

We work with a local St. Louis company, First Crack Coffee, to source and roast our beans. After they are imported from Colombia, they are roasted to a perfect med-dark providing hints of lime, juicy red apple, toasted almond, cocoa, and lemongrass. These 100% whole Colombian beans are then bagged, labeled, and ready for your consumption! Simple, yet flavorful and with a cause! This cup’s for the pups!

OUR MISSION

Charlie Bleu Coffee Company’s mission is to provide great tasting coffee to customers while also helping better the lives of animals in need!