Meet Nathan Wilson | Co Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nathan Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathan, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Honestly, it started over a few too many late nights, bad hotel coffee, and a mutual “what are we even doing with our lives” moment. My best friend and I were working in corporate and traveling constantly airports, client meetings, emails at midnight and we realized none of the coffee brands out there really got that lifestyle.

We weren’t sipping pour-overs in a quiet café with jazz playing in the background. We were slamming caffeine at 6 a.m. before a pitch and again at 3 p.m. to survive the inbox. We wanted something that felt like us intense, a little chaotic, and unapologetically ambitious. So we figured, why wait for someone else to make it? Let’s build the brand we wish existed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When we started Corporate Menace Coffee, we knew we wanted more than just a “fun” brand. We wanted something real – coffee that matched the pace, pressure, and personality of people chasing big goals. But turning that energy into a product that’s actually great? That took time, a lot of caffeine, and more than a few existential breakdowns over spreadsheets and empty bank accounts.

One of the biggest challenges was finding the right partners who could help provide fresh, specialty-grade coffee. We weren’t willing to cut corners there, even if it meant a slower start. It was tough – a lot of phone calls and samples, but we’re proud to say we found partners who care about the product as much as we do. And the result? Roasted-to-order, specialty-grade coffee that’s smooth, bold, and built for those 7 am meetings.

What sets us apart is that we never lost sight of our voice. Our coffee has names like Hostile Takeover and Liquid Courage because that’s the reality for so many of us. We’re not sipping in a quiet café with acoustic guitar in the background. We’re chugging a cup before a pitch, slamming a second during a 3 p.m. spiral, and laughing about it later with friends who get it.

I’m proud that we built something that feels honest. We didn’t fake the polished founder story. We’re just a couple of friends who got tired of drinking bad coffee during the biggest moments of our careers, so we decided to make something better that could not only keep up with, but promote our success.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about Corporate Menace, it’s this: we’re here for the ambitious, the overworked, and the under caffeinated. We’re here for the ones who get work done and still find time to live life their way. We’re not a coffee brand that asks you to slow down. We’re the one that fuels you to keep going, on your terms.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to town for a week, I’d give them the full St. Pete experience – equal parts chill and chaotic.

We’d kick things off in downtown St. Pete with what I swear is the best Philly cheesesteak in the city, Violet Stone. No debate. If we’re feeling something lighter, Fresh Kitchen’s our go-to for a quick, energizing bowl. But either way, we’re grabbing it to-go.

From there, we’d head straight to North Shore Park hammocks in hand. We’d post up under the trees, eat, maybe crack open a good book, and just vibe with the breeze and the view. If we time it right, we might even catch a few dolphins catching fish near the seawall. Add a sunset, and you’ve got a perfect relaxing day.

When the sun goes down, you’ll probably find us at Bar Chica. If we cross the bridge to Tampa, I’m taking them to Jekyll, where the cocktails are inspired by classic literature – and somehow, they actually pull it off. It’s the kind of place where you order a drink and feel like an expert on spirits.

To wrap up the night? We’re headed to Goodnight John Boy – a retro 70s disco bar where the lights are wild, the music’s loud, and nobody takes themselves too seriously. That’s the magic of this place.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Building something like Corporate Menace Coffee Company doesn’t happen in a vacuum – even if it feels like it at 2 a.m. while staring at packaging design files and partnership agreements.

First, a huge shoutout to my co-founder, Mike Patella. We’ve been pushing each other to think bigger and move faster since day one – even when the ideas were unconventional (and some still are). Plus, when you’re building a business with your best friend, you’re bound to get into some crazy hijinks along the way.

Second, I have to give credit to the people I’ve worked with throughout my career, especially my boss at AACSB. Being around innovative minds in business education taught me how to think strategically and connect with clients on a personal level. That environment really shaped how I approach building a brand with purpose — and how to take bold risks without hesitation.

And honestly? The biggest thanks go to the friends and family who cheered us on before we ever sold a single bag. Back when we were still kicking around the concept and couldn’t land the perfect name, we ran focus groups with them for some of our wilder flavor ideas. They’ve been part of the journey from the very start, and we owe them a lot.

Website: https://www.corporatemenace.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_corporatemenace_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corporate-menace-coffee-co/posts/?feedView=all

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574440404409#

Other: My personal : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wilson-446052157/

Image Credits
Ashley Papp ashleysandra.myportfolio.com