New ventures provide new opportunities at Service Enterprises, Inc.

Popcorn and coffee.  The two may seem like an odd combination, but for Service Enterprises, Inc. they go hand in hand to provide additional work and increased earnings for the individuals served, enhanced public relations for the organization and a chance to offer the public quality products.

In October 2006, the Redwood Falls private, nonprofit corporation, which for more than 35 years has provided vocational training, employment and other services to individuals with disabilities, began packaging and distributing Jumpy Monkey Premium Coffee from its assembly area.  Clients are involved in the tasks of opening coffee bags, filling bags with product, weighing, grinding, labeling and attaching the re-sealable tape strip as the packaging operation continues to grow.  Clients also help with delivery and marketing of coffee through tasting demonstrations in stores.  The coffee is currently being distributed by SEI for sale at 32 businesses in 27 communities with the list continually growing.

“I like to work on coffee – it’s a fun job and I can earn money.  I like the coffee smell,” said SEI client Mary Kay Phillips.

“I like coffee.  I fill bags sometimes and sometimes I label bags, and the coffee smells good,” added client Kraig Trebesch.

Jumpy Monkey is a coffee roasting company operated by Opportunities Unlimited, a Sioux City, Iowa, nonprofit corporation which provides rehabilitation and therapeutic services for individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or other physical disability.  Jumpy Monkey/Opportunities Unlimited has chosen to partner with other nonprofit organizations which serve individuals with disabilities as distributors. 

Some Jumpy Monkey History

Jumpy Monkey Coffee got its start in 1993 as its founders, Jeff and Julia Leinen, began roasting coffee, at home, using a popcorn maker.  Having relocated to Sioux City, Iowa from Seattle, the Leinens had grown accustomed to fresh-roasted coffee and at the time Sioux City had no place to satisfy their craving.  Jeff became very skilled at the craft and he and Julia decided to purchase a commercial roaster and open a business in downtown Sioux City.  When a career change sent them back east in 2003, the Leinens sold the Jumpy Monkey Coffee Roasting business, its techniques, recipes and equipment to an individual who in turn gave the business to Opportunities Unlimited to operate.  The employee who was the Leinens’ primary roaster was also hired and remains employed roasting coffee at Opportunities Unlimited. 

A year ago, Service Enterprises, Inc. Executive Director Stephen Kohn learned of Jumpy Monkey Coffee through the internet.  He took a “shot in the dark” and sent the company an email offering to package and market its product.  Several months passed, numerous discussions took place and countless numbers were “crunched” before SEI officially became a distributor of Jumpy Monkey Coffee, the first in Minnesota.  Service Enterprises, Inc. has selected a 35-county area to service in which to market products.

“Collaboration and partnerships are the keys to success in any industry.  Clearly, our new relationship with Opportunities Unlimited, Jumpy Monkey Coffee and our vendors is a win for all of us and most importantly, the people we serve,” said SEI Executive Director Stephen Kohn.  “Think about it, two rehabilitation facilities in two states putting people with disabilities to work while satisfying coffee drinking citizens in both states.  How collaborative and successful is that?”

Jumpy Monkey Coffee prides itself on its commitment to quality and freshness.  Once an order is placed by a customer, Service Enterprises orders and is shipped freshly roasted coffee within 48 to 72 hours.  The coffee is then packaged by clients in its center-based employment program with a “roasted on” date, which lets consumers know the product is indeed fresh.  SEI presently distributes 26 different flavored varieties and seven coffee blends. 

“Good Morning Blend and Sergeant Floyd’s French Roast were the two top sellers during the first three months we were in business and continue to do well. Snickerdoodle, Cinnamon Sticky Bun, Vanilla Buttercream and English Toffee have been among the top flavored coffees,” said Marcia Heiling, SEI Resource Development Director.

At about the same time the Jumpy Monkey distributorship began, Service Enterprises also began packaging and marketing its Morgan Brand Popcorn in two microwave varieties.  Since February of 2005, SEI has owned and operated the Morgan Popcorn Company, a Southwest Minnesota company since 1932. 

The whole kernel white and yellow popcorn which pops hulless has been very popular with customers in the 50-plus businesses at which it is sold.  Because microwave popcorn has a large market, particularly with the younger population, SEI decided last summer to add butter and light microwave popcorn to the Morgan Brand line-up. 

The microwave packages were designed to coordinate with the red and white Morgan Brand whole kernel bag labels and SEI’s ownership.  All the popcorn products are packaged by clients served in SEI’s center-based program.  Clients assemble the three-pack carton, place three pre-packaged, sealed bags of popcorn in each carton, seal and place cartons in a case.

Individuals supported by Service Enterprises can also create gift baskets and gift ideas for any occasion using Jumpy Monkey Coffee and Morgan Brand Popcorn products. 

In addition to the new ventures, SEI employs individuals it serves through its Merry Maids franchise operated in Redwood Falls and Marshall; providing laundry service at Redwood Area Hospital; sorting and processing material at Redwood County Recycling Center, housekeeping at area motels; commercial cleaning jobs in surrounding communities and contracted employment through a host of area businesses.  Service Enterprises, Inc. also operates Prime Manufacturing in Redwood Falls, where clients build, recondition and rebuild pallets.  Service Enterprises, Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation with offices in Redwood Falls and Marshall.  For more than 35 years, Service Enterprises has been providing vocational training, employment and other services to individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness and other barriers to employment.  For more information, contact Service Enterprises, Inc. at 507-637-3503.

Jumpy Monkey Coffee can be purchased at. . .

Morgan Brand Popcorn is available for sale at. . .