Dustin Sixkiller, Owner Of Ironlife Coffee

I met Dustin on the ranch in the summer of 2022. At the time, I was working at the ranch, a therapy barn, and still running Klein House. I told him and his daughter about the amazing things I got to see at that therapy barn, from kids with physical disabilities strengthening their bodies, to soldiers growing their confidence once again- all through horses. This sparked conversation about his amazing business and the mission he has to help soldiers suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression overcome their struggles and find community and friendship along the way.

We exchanged contact information and a few months later he was one of my web design clients. With one of Klein House’s pillars being community and growth (much like Iron Life), I was excited to help design a website for him that showcased all the ways that Dustin and his company gives back. I am proud to be associated with such a strong and supportive community through Dustin and his business.

Where is your business located?

Iron Life Coffee is based out of Colorado Springs, CO.

Tell me about your brand:

We are a Veteran Owned Company that is dedicated to prevention of Veterans and Active Duty Military suicide. Having good coffee was always a God-send when we were in the fields, ships, or some unknown foreign locations. Coffee would bring us together no matter the Hell we were in. For most, Hell follows us home from the battlefields and the War never ends. Suicide runs rampant in society today, but because of awareness to suicide and breaking the stigma about talking about depression and suicidal thoughts, the numbers are reducing; but one is too many. Iron Life dedicates one dollar per pound of coffee to fight Veteran Homelessness in Colorado through Veteran Coffee Roasters. Because of our dedication to keep up the fight we have also partnered with the Non Profit Quality Resilience Fitness (QRF) who pay for Veteran Gym Memberships, Competition costs, training, and many other amazing things. We also donate one dollar per pound sold to them.

What do you feel sets you and your business apart from others?

Coffee is not new, and definitely a Veteran owned coffee company is not new or headlining. What we do differently is donate a total of two dollars per pound of coffee to Veteran Non Profits that made a direct impact to the Mission to Stop Veteran Suicide. Each purchase goes toward helping get a Veteran off the street and helping Veterans fight suicidal ideations and find an outlet through physical fitness.

What is your business’s backstory? How and why did you start your business?

Cesar, my business partner came up to me a few years ago with the idea to sell coffee, I originally shot it down because I did not want Iron Life to be like any other Coffee company. I also wanted to be able to give back, not just donate once or a few times a year, but make it so whatever is purchased from can be directly tied to helping Veterans. We found Veteran Coffee Roasters in Colorado Springs, Colorado who have the same Mission goals for Veterans that we do. They roast for many companies in Colorado and donate to help fight local homelessness in Colorado.

What are the driving passions and morals for you and your business?

To help and give back. Bring awareness and prevent Veteran and Military Suicide.

What do you think really put your business on the map?

Our Mission to help Veterans.

What are the most gratifying parts and most challenging parts of being a business owner?

Seeing the impact being made by just a small business in Colorado gives us hope that we can keep growing and making an impact in the Mission to Stop Veteran Suicide.

What is your favorite memory of running your business?

Working small trade shows in the beginning days with my Mom and Dad. We would set up a table at local gun shows and other trade shows and sell coffee. Them having faith in me and Iron Life was essential to the success and growth of Iron Life Coffee. My Dad has become our best Salesman and promoter of the business.

How has your background/ life story played a role in who you are today?

I am a survivor of suicide, I gave up and let PTSD, Depression and the devil win. After 8 Deployments, becoming an alcoholic, and many nightmare filled nights; I tried to overdose on sleeping medication Jan 2016 in Portsmouth, VA. I have walked that dark path and I just want others to know they are not alone.

What is one accomplishment you are most proud of in terms of your business?

I am most proud of the Partnerships we have created with QRF and VCR. Veterans helping Veterans!

Is there someone or something you would like to thank or give credit to for your business ventures?