In the heart of the Twin Cities, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran is blending purpose with passion—one cup of coffee at a time. Michael Kollar, a former service member turned entrepreneur, is the owner and roaster behind four Dunn Brothers Coffee shops located in Excelsior, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Savage, Minnesota. His story is one of transformation, community, and inclusivity, and it’s brewed into every cup he serves.

Kollar’s journey from military service to small business ownership is rooted in a lifelong commitment to helping others. His time in the Coast Guard was driven by a desire to save lives and serve the nation in a unique way. “I just was drawn to the fact of saving lives and doing a different mission than defending,” he said. “It’s still defending the nation, but in a different way.” Now, years later, he’s channeling that same sense of service into a new mission—building welcoming spaces through coffee culture.

At each of his four Dunn Brothers locations, Kollar emphasizes quality and care in every aspect of the business. “I really enjoy roasting, I enjoy giving people a good cup of coffee,” he shared. Customers seem to feel that intention. According to Kollar, many patrons recognize the love and attention that goes into each brew. “A lot of the customers, when they sip it, they just know that it was made with love and caring, and they appreciate that fact,” he said.

But Kollar’s impact goes beyond flavor. He has cultivated an atmosphere where community thrives. Regulars at his Hopkins location describe the shops as inclusive gathering spaces, where people from all walks of life come together. “The coffee’s wonderful, and the people are, too,” said customer Lois Schlutter. She noted the diverse clientele and the engaging conversations that often unfold over coffee. Another customer, Alexander Tolchinsky, observed that “no matter when I come in, there’s always people sitting, and a lot of times Mike is sitting there chatting.”

Creating a safe and inclusive space is a deliberate part of Kollar’s business model. He partners with local high schools and utilizes state funding to hire students and adults with disabilities. This approach not only provides employment opportunities but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose for individuals who are often underrepresented in the workforce. “I believe in giving back. So this is my period of life where I want to make an inclusive, safe place for people to come in and work and make a difference,” Kollar explained.

That commitment to inclusivity is deeply felt by those who frequent his shops. Schlutter emphasized the sense of community that emerges from the welcoming environment. “It’s a really wide range of people from different walks of life, and it’s fun,” she said. “I would say it’s welcoming to everybody, and there’s really a good sense of community.”

For Kollar, the coffee business is about more than just beverages. It’s about creating opportunity and giving a voice to those who are often overlooked. “It’s a time to give back and it’s time to make a difference,” he said. “You know, there’s so many people that don’t have a voice, that are left behind in the society that needs a voice, that needs a place to come in and feel safe.”

I found this detail striking: Kollar’s approach to business mirrors his earlier service in the Coast Guard. In both roles, his goal has been to protect, uplift, and support others. Whether through rescue missions or employment initiatives, his focus remains on making a positive impact. It’s a reminder that service doesn’t end when a uniform is retired—it can be carried forward in countless meaningful ways.

The story of Michael Kollar and his Dunn Brothers Coffee shops is a testament to the power of intentional community-building. By prioritizing inclusivity, quality, and connection, he has turned his coffee shops into more than just places to grab a latte. They are safe havens, conversation hubs, and platforms for empowerment—all fueled by a veteran’s enduring commitment to serve.

Read more at cbsnews.com