Inspiration can strike at the most unlikely times. For Trey Hendrickson, it struck when he was returning from deployment in Afghanistan. He had, what he recalls as ‘the best cup of coffee’ he’d ever had. It was a taste of home.

Trey served five years in the United States Marine Corps and deployed once to Afghanistan. Now 11 years later, Trey and his wife own and manage Wild Grounds LLC, a coffee grinder and roaster, for nearly a year.

“I spent time over the years developing the plans, researching what would make this work. Then we found a coffee roastery that was for sale and knew it was time to pull the trigger,” said Trey.

Starting a new business comes with challenges. The first several months can be especially difficult as the business develops, and Trey shared that it was thanks to GROW South Dakota’s funding through Rural Development’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) that helped the business begin to thrive.

“If it weren’t for GROW, I don’t think we’d be open today,” Trey said. “It was because of that investment that we were able to really get things going, and we’re doing great things now.”

Trey has built his business on faith, family, and a love of the great outdoors. But it’s more than just selling coffee. It’s helping other Veterans.

“As a Veteran, it’s important to me to give back to other Veterans. We partner with Blackhearts Lodge in Montana. They have a focus of helping Veterans struggling with mental health and suicidal ideation. They help them get out and enjoy the outdoors and refocusing on what’s important,” said Trey. “Those that served gave so much and helping them get out hunting or just being in the outdoors is just one way that we can give back.”

When Trey isn’t managing the coffee business, he’s helping neighbors with their farms. “It’s important to build relationships, and helping my neighbors is one of the best ways I can do that.”

Wild Grounds LLC, based in Willow Lake, received a $27,000 RMAP loan through GROW South Dakota in August, 2024, to purchase inventory and working capital.