A Little About Me

I should probably introduce myself.

I’m Joshua, a dad, husband, and technologist by trade. I spend much of my life in front of screens, building things that probably don’t need to exist but somehow do anyway. I love the work, but at some point I began craving something with weight to it. I wanted something I could smell, hear, and hold.

Finding My Footing Away From the Screen

Coffee roasting found me at the right moment.

I was looking for a routine, a small and dependable ritual that belonged to me. I wanted a tactile craft involving heat, sound, and timing, where careful attention showed up in the final result. More than anything, I wanted solid footing away from the constant churn of digital life.

Coffee gave me all three.

I still remember my first roast on the Gene Cafe. My daughter had just fallen asleep upstairs on a cold winter night. My wife came downstairs to find me roasting with the window open and an exhaust tube running outside.

It didn’t take long for the smell of freshly roasted coffee to fill the house. I still look forward to that moment every time I roast.

Learning by Doing

There is no substitute for repetition.

With every batch, I learn to listen to the beans, watch their color, and trust my timing. Roasting is humbling in the best way because even small decisions can make a noticeable difference in the cup.

Unfortunately, I’m the only coffee drinker in my house. There is only so much coffee one person can drink, so I began roasting for others. NorthIndy Roasters grew from my desire to share the coffee and the craft I had come to love.

Why NorthIndy?

I’m building NorthIndy Roasters in Noblesville, Indiana, because this is home.

My wife and I are originally from upstate New York. She attended college on the south side of Indianapolis, and I later moved here to be with her while trying to launch my own independent game studio.

Starting small and local felt right. I want to make real coffee for real neighbors, not build another logo chasing a trend.

I roast during the quiet moments scattered throughout my days. I work as a Director of Technology, run a game studio, and do my best to be a present husband and father. Life is full, but roasting gives me a reason to slow down and focus on one thing at a time.

Perseverance and grit are two of my core values. They guide how I approach my family, my work, and this roastery. They are also a big part of what has made it possible for me to share the coffee I love with you.

For now, I roast in small batches, ship throughout Indiana, and offer local pickup. If you’re nearby, come say hello. If you’re across the state, I’m glad the coffee gets to make the trip.

Thank you for being here at the beginning.

Joshua Allen
Founder, NorthIndy Roasters Co.