In this episode of Off Script, Josh Fisher sits down with Mike Loyd—Marine veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Dope Coffee—to explore the journey behind one of the most provocative brands in the coffee industry.

From his roots in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to the discipline forged in the Marine Corps, Mike shares how resilience, cultural identity, and authentic leadership shaped his path. Together, Josh and Mike dive into the deeper mission of Dope Coffee: creating community, sparking dialogue, and using hip-hop culture as a bridge for connection and social change.

This conversation unpacks the bold branding, the realities of the coffee industry, and the importance of equity, teamwork, and self-belief in building something that lasts. Mike also reflects on finding joy in the grind, aligning your moral compass with your actions, and why success is about more than the end goal—it’s about the journey.

Be sure to check out everything Dope Coffee has to offer at this link.

Dope Coffee

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mike Loyd: A Journey of Passion and Resilience

02:41 The Roots of Mike Loyd: Growing Up in Winston Salem

05:44 Defining Off Script: Challenging Conventional Narratives

08:45 Navigating Relationships: From Tension to Understanding

11:24 The Impact of Environment: Challenges of Being a Black Man

17:27 Self-Perception and Validation: Lessons from Life Experiences

27:21 The Impact of Consumerism on Debt

29:56 The Unique Intersection of Coffee and Hip Hop

32:12 Identifying Gaps in the Coffee Industry

36:53 Dope Coffee: A Catalyst for Conversation

37:46 The Meaning Behind 'Dope' in Dope Coffee

48:39 Expanding Horizons: The Future of Dope Coffee

52:28 The Power of Teamwork and Family in Business

54:20 Sharing Success: The Importance of Equity in Entrepreneurship

57:18 Building a Community: The Key to Entrepreneurial Growth

58:55 Confidence and Self-Belief: The Foundation of Success

01:01:04 Navigating Challenges: The Entrepreneurial Journey

01:08:07 Finding Joy in the Journey: The Importance of Positivity

01:10:51 Reflecting on Morals: Aligning Actions with Values

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