About DCR Coffee

Our Story | Core Behaviors | Core Values | Core Mission | Our Culture

DCR Coffee Logo

OUR STORY

A passion for entrepreneurship and a drive for success, David Morris set out on a venture and founded Dillanos Coffee Roasters. Dillanos, named after his oldest son Dillon, opened as an espresso cart in 1992 in front of the well-known Sunshine Mart, a convenience store located in Buckley, Washington. The Sunshine Mart, which still stands today, was owned, and operated by Howard Heyer, David’s stepfather. Howard, or Howie as many called him, took a chance with David and his coffee cart and the two developed a business partnership. The cart was fueled by David’s enthusiasm, Howard’s business background, and a sincere desire to offer great coffee and great service. The following year they set out and opened two more retail locations and would begin to make decisions that would shape the business for years to come.

In 1994, David’s brother, Chris Heyer, joined the family business at the age of 19 and bought into the company as a third owner. Chris had worked as an experienced barista at a coffee cart outside of a local grocery store. Together they kicked off Dillanos Coffee Roasters as a wholesale coffee roasting operation. It wasn’t long before the brothers were soaking up information from coffee professionals throughout the country. They learned from the ground up what it takes to source high-quality green coffee, perfect nuanced roast profiles, and create balanced, smooth-tasting blends.

They were passionate about the artistry of bringing out a coffee’s inherent character with just a small nudge of time and temperature. They soon sold the retail stores and put all their energy into wholesale roasting at a new location in Sumner, Washington. As the family business continued to expand, Dillanos Coffee Roasters grew from a tiny three-person outfit to a nationally recognized roaster with more than 1,500 wholesale locations serving Dillanos Coffee across the country.

Today, Dillanos Coffee Roasters employs more than 90 enthusiastic staff members and roasts for some of the country’s most recognized specialty coffee brands.

Core Behaviors

HELPFUL

I have a helpful attitude. I’m willing to lend a hand even if it’s not my job.

FRIENDLY

I am a caring person. I am genuinely pleasant, courteous, and nice.

HONEST

I am an honest person that displays a high level of integrity.

FLEXIBLE

I am eager to implement and embrace change, recognizing that it is essential for growth.

RESOURCEFUL

I optimize our resources and creatively problem-solve to achieve our goals.

HARDWORKING

I almost never have to be pushed by my manager to work harder. I am self-motivated and diligent.

CORE VALUES

1. ALWAYS POSSESS HONESTY, INTEGRITY & LOYALTY

We expect everyone to be completely honest at all times and consistently display personal integrity and loyalty. This attitude extends not just to our interactions with each other, but to customers and vendors as well.

2. GIVE OUR CUSTOMERS MORE THAN THEY EXPECT

We will constantly go the extra mile for our customers. We remember that they ultimately sign our paycheck. We will strive to create value for our loyal clients because they are truly our bosses. “Exceed expectations” will be our mantra.

3. BE CREATIVE AND RESOURCEFUL

At Dillanos creativity and resourcefulness are everywhere. You see it in our branding, the way we solve problems, and how we work every day. We believe that with the right mindset there is always a way and nothing is impossible.

4. OPTIMIZE OUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES

We approach financial management with the attitude that there is a right number when it comes to spending. We will accomplish our goals by not spending too much, or too little, but the correct amount to complete our objectives.

5. NEVER STOP LEARNING AND GROWING

We want everybody to take on an attitude of lifelong learning. This can be done through books, classes, and stimulating conversation. This is not just about coffee; it is about developing and growing to become your own best self.

6. EMBRACE CHANGE AND REEVALUATE SYSTEMS

Change happens. Companies evolve. The actions that got us to where we are today aren’t necessarily the same actions that will take us to tomorrow. We will strive to be unique and never do things because “that’s the way we have always done them”. We relentlessly create and refine systems to maximize our efficiency and effectiveness.

7. COMMUNICATE CLEARLY AND OPENLY

The key to effective communication is in both clear speaking and active listening. Consistent communication keeps us on the same page and moving in the same direction.

8. RECOGNIZE INDIVIDUAL AND COMPANY SUCCESS

Dillanos is not a place that fosters feelings of jealousy or envy. We will root for and celebrate each others’ accomplishments and be there for each other during disappointments. Love is the attitude we will demonstrate with everyone we are in contact with.

9. PROTECT OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

Quality is inherent in everything we do. Our quality is not just reflected in our outstanding coffee, but also in our attention to detail, our innovations, and our service. Our commitment to delivering quality in all interactions must be protected through our daily decisions and strategies for the future.

10. BE FRIENDLY & HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR

When you walk through our front doors you will most likely hear two things: one is the sound of fresh espresso being ground, the other is the echo of true laughter. We work hard, but have a great time doing it. We never take ourselves too seriously and believe that laughter is the best medicine.

11. SERVE OUR COMMUNITY AND EACH OTHER

We believe that we are not obligated, but moved to donate time and resources to lift up each other and the people in our surrounding communities. We do so with an attitude of gratitude that we are fortunate enough to help.

Core Mission

 

Help People. Make Friends. Have Fun!

 

OUR CULTURE

At Dillanos, we are passionate about people, coffee, and culture. We aim to hire people who believe what we believe because they will work in a way that culturally aligns with the organization.

What do we believe?

We believe our core behaviors, core values, and mission statement are the driving force behind our culture. They determine how we treat one another, including our customers, vendors, and those within the community around us.

Our employees and customers alike are what make the Dillanos culture feel like family.

This atmosphere is what makes us who we are and what we strive to bring to our customers each day. The company culture urges individuals to work hard, but to have fun in the process. Our culture can be seen by the actions and behaviors of the people, not by the words in a document.

At our core, we are helpful, friendly, honest, flexible, resourceful, and hardworking individuals.

These behaviors lead us to support our core values which are the deep-rooted guiding principles that lead our actions each day. All of which support us to live out and achieve our company mission to Help People, Make Friends, and Have Fun.