FSWB Customer Zachary Ray of Desert Sun Coffee Roasters Named Colorado Small Business Wall of Fame Inductee

A Mission‑Driven Business Built from the Ground Up

Zach began his work with Desert Sun Coffee Roasters in 2009 at the ground level and today serves as President and sole owner.

Under his leadership, Desert Sun has grown into a certified organic, fair‑trade coffee roastery with a strong reputation for quality, consistency, and service. The company sources coffee through long‑term partnerships with small‑scale farmers and Cooperative Coffees, the only roaster‑owned organic importing cooperative in North America. From independent cafés and grocery partners to offices and online customers, Desert Sun proudly serves Durango, the Four Corners region, and customers nationwide—while supporting stable, good‑paying jobs right here in Southwest Colorado.

Zach believes that everyday choices—like drinking coffee—can help build a more just and sustainable world. That belief shapes Desert Sun’s business model, ensuring economic impact is paired with environmental stewardship and community benefit.

Desert Sun’s nomination highlights the critical role SBA resources played in supporting the company’s growth and job creation. In 2021, the business worked closely with First Southwest Bank to secure an SBA 7(a) loan, which financed the purchase of the company and provided essential working capital.

This investment allowed Desert Sun to expand operations, build internal capacity, and double its workforce within two years, strengthening its contribution to the local economy. First Southwest Bank partnered with Zach throughout the process, helping structure financing that aligned with Desert Sun’s long‑term goals and provided the stability needed to grow responsibly in a competitive and volatile global coffee market.

As noted in his nomination, Zach is widely regarded as a thoughtful steward of capital, treating SBA financing not just as a business tool, but as a resource to be used intentionally to create jobs, support local vendors, and strengthen the broader regional economy.

Beyond business growth, Zach is recognized for leadership that extends far beyond the roastery.

He donates a portion of his income each year to charitable causes, ensures Desert Sun contributes coffee and support to local nonprofits and events, and dedicates three cents per pound of coffee sold to environmental initiatives such as reforestation and climate resilience in coffee‑growing regions. He also participates in Leadership La Plata, earned a certificate through the Project RUN economic development program, and regularly mentors other entrepreneurs.

Organizations and community partners consistently describe Zach’s leadership as people‑centered, optimistic, and collaborative—focused on strengthening Durango’s small business ecosystem and ensuring local businesses thrive together.

The Colorado Small Business Wall of Fame honor recognizes not only Desert Sun Coffee Roasters’ success as a brand, but the principles behind that success: ethical trade, disciplined growth, local job creation, and deep community commitment.

At First Southwest Bank, we are proud to work alongside entrepreneurs like Zachary Ray and to support businesses that create meaningful economic impact in our communities.