Lindsay Wrege poses with the JMPerLindsay Wrege poses with the JMPerThe JMP D&I action team was honored last Wednesday to host Lindsay Wrege, co-founder of 321 Coffee and a member of the extended SAS family (she attended SAS Daycare as a child!). Her inspiring journey is a powerful reminder of how passion and purpose can create meaningful change.
Wrege started 321 Coffee in her NC State dorm room, driven by a simple yet profound realization: her close friends with intellectual disabilities faced a severe lack of employment opportunities after high school. With a small group of friends and immense community support—from donated locations to tools for their first brick-and-mortar—321 Coffee came to life.
Today, 321 Coffee has grown to five locations and roasteries, employing more than 50 people with intellectual disabilities. Wrege's story beautifully illustrates the difference between mere employment and empowerment.
Key takeaways and inspiration
Wrege's energy and conviction left us with several thought-provoking messages. Her ultimate call to action is to "believe in the best case"—to look beyond the status quo and envision what's possible.
Here are a few quotes that resonated deeply:
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"Belonging doesn’t happen by accident. It is designed." This highlights the intentional effort required to build an inclusive environment, echoing JMP's own commitment to D&I.
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"Why not now? Why not me?" Wrege's repeated challenge to the audience urges us to stop waiting for someone else to act and to start the change ourselves.
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"If we don’t give people the opportunity to fail, we don’t give them the opportunity to grow either." This emphasizes the importance of providing real opportunities, complete with the chance to learn and evolve.
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"Just by drinking a cup of coffee, people were contributing to something better." Wrege showed us how simple, everyday actions can support a greater purpose.
Wrege's success reminds us that "Change starts with one," and that it is indeed our responsibility to inspire purpose and growth. A huge thank you to Wrege for sharing her remarkable story!
What step will you take this week to "believe in the best case" and inspire purpose within our JMP community?
This event was brought to you by the JMP D&I Action Team, who champion JMP’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. For more information about their ongoing work, visit the D&I Action Team, JMP - DEI Action Team Confluence page.
I hope everyone can come out and support - I have heard Lindsay speak before and she is quite inspiring!
Tara is correct. Lindsay is quite an inspiration. And -- wow -- she has built a really great business on these principles!
Never heard of an organization that intentionally employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inspiring to hear about Lindsay's mission and vision with 321 Coffee.
