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Veteran Magazine sits down with the founders of Contact Coffee Company—Royal Marines veterans Luke Dalton and Si Lume—who swapped rifles for roasters to launch one of the UK’s most distinctive veteran-owned businesses. Known for their no-nonsense approach and ‘battle-ready’ blends like Red On! and Battle Prep, the duo have carved out a niche in the coffee industry that reflects the grit, discipline, and dark humour of their military roots. In this exclusive interview, they talk about building a brand from the ground up, the challenges of civilian life, and why coffee and combat go hand-in-hand.
What inspired you to transition from the Royal Marines to entrepreneurship, specifically in the coffee industry?
We started Contact Coffee Co whilst serving, what started off as a hobby and to try and earn some passive income, grew into a fully-fledged business. It was never 'the plan', when I decided to leave the Royal Marines it wasn't my first choice but the business was doing so well it was a great opportunity to go into it full time. As for the coffee, we started it due to the poor coffee we received whilst deployed on operations around the world. We wanted to start a coffee company that understood the military community, and the importance of not only being caffeinated but what comes out of sitting down and having a coffee with your mates.
Can you share the challenges you faced while establishing Contact Coffee Company and how your military training helped you overcome them?
Nothing is plain sailing, at all, ever. Luckily from our experiences we became battle hardened almost to remain flexible, act on fast balls, and adapt.
How did your experiences in the Royal Marines influence the values and mission of Contact Coffee Company?
I think always striving to do your best. Royal Marines pride themselves on being the best at what they do but also being humble about it. Work quietly, win quietly.
Could you elaborate on the significance of the name “Contact Coffee” and its relevance to your brand identity?
"Contact" is a military term used when coming under enemy fire, there are different types, such as 'contact front' or 'contact small arms.' We took that high-adrenaline moment and applied it to coffee, creating Contact Coffee, signifying that you're coming under fire from caffeine. It’s a nod to our military roots and the hard-hitting nature of our coffee and brand.
What strategies have you employed to ensure the quality and “soldier-proof” nature of your coffee products in various environments?
We ensure our coffee is truly ‘soldier-proof’ by testing it in the same extreme environments our customers operate in. While serving, we’d take new products on exercises or deployments or get them into the hands of those already out there. Take our coffee bags, for example, they’ve been personally tested by us in everything from the sweltering +40°C jungle to the freezing -40°C Arctic. If it can handle those conditions, it can handle anything.
How has your military network supported the growth of Contact Coffee Company, and what role does the veteran community play in your business?
Word of mouth is everything in the military. If a new person joins your troop, you’ll always check with someone who’s worked with them before to see if they’re a good bloke. The same principle applies to businesses and products, trust is key. Thanks to our military network, we’ve grown largely through referrals, with veterans and serving personnel recommending Contact Coffee to others who want products and coffee they can rely on.
What advice would you give to fellow veterans considering starting their own businesses?
Do it. Your military career will end, and cogs still move without you, you need to be selfish and do as much as you can for you. When you leave, it can be a lonely place and feels like week 1 day 1 all over again. You are in a great position to start a business if you are still serving, you have huge financial and work security, so risks are easier to take. If you have already left, then utilise the skills and the mind set to start and build your business.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Contact Coffee Company in the next five years?
Our plan is simple, keep doing what we do and do it well. We’re focused on organic growth, staying humble, and making sure we never overstretch ourselves. Supporting veteran charities will always be a priority, and our ultimate goal is to see Contact Coffee on the shelves in NAAFI stores and included in ration packs. One of those goals is already within touching distance…
