His Back Story

Faith Journey: Grounded in Faith, Poured Out with Purpose

From its very beginning, Arrow & Roots Coffee Co. was never just about coffee — it was about faith, family, and purpose. Every story that shapes this company points back to God’s faithfulness, and this one begins with Cody, whose life and walk with Christ have been marked by hard work, humility, and the steady goodness of God.

Roots of Faith and Family

Cody grew up surrounded by the rhythm of both faith and work. Church was woven into family life — his mom led music, taught youth, and organized Vacation Bible School, while his dad served faithfully in the church. The Word of God wasn’t distant; it was the background of their daily lives.

At the same time, much of Cody’s childhood centered around the family sawmill or “lumber yard”. His dad purchased the mill around the time Cody was born, and both uncles were involved in those early years. He remembers watching his dad work long hours — improving equipment, making hard financial decisions, and trusting God through seasons of plenty and of need.

Money wasn’t always abundant. Birthday dinners out were special because they were rare. But even when finances were tight, there was never a shortage of love, laughter, or faith. His dad worked hard to provide, yet he always made time — to play basketball, take the family swimming, and cheer at games. Work and faith were never separate worlds in their home; they were deeply connected, both modeled as acts of stewardship and love.

The Lumber Yard Blend stands as a tribute to those roots — to the sound of saws, the smell of fresh-cut timber, and the faithful hands of a father who worked hard and trusted the Lord to provide.

Cody’s mom, a teacher for the first decade of his life, carried that same faith into her classroom. She was known for her high expectations — some called her strict, others called her tough — but everyone who sat under her teaching knew she cared deeply. She taught as though every lesson mattered, because to her, it did. That example left a mark on Cody’s heart and would later shape his own calling.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Colossians 3:23

When Faith Became Real

Though Christianity was always part of his family’s culture, it took time for that faith to become personal. Cody made a profession of faith as a young child, but it wasn’t until middle school that his relationship with Christ truly became real. He began to see faith not as something inherited, but as something that demanded surrender, obedience, and love.

During those years, God placed faithful believers in Cody’s path — men who would disciple him, challenge him, and walk alongside him as he learned to live out his faith. Many of those conversations took place on a front porch long after the sun went down — quiet moments of grace and guidance that helped establish the roots of his faith.

The Porchlight Grace Blend was inspired by those evenings — by the warmth of conversation, the glow of the porchlight on a dark night, and the patient love of believers who pour truth into others.

Even through high school and college — with mistakes, doubts, and wandering — God remained faithful. There were times Cody questioned his salvation, wondering if his faith was genuine. Yet through it all, the Lord placed people in his path who discipled him, encouraged him, and reminded him of truth. And God, in His patience, continued shaping a heart that desired to serve.

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself.”
2 Timothy 2:13

A Calling to Teach and Serve

Following in his mother’s footsteps, Cody entered education — teaching for 15 years. For him, teaching wasn’t just a job; it was ministry. It was an opportunity to mentor, disciple, and quietly live out the gospel in classrooms and hallways. Many of his lessons went far beyond the curriculum — they were about character, perseverance, and faith.

But as the years passed, God began to stir something new. The landscape of education was changing, and Cody felt the tension between providing for his family and being present with them. The Lord began closing one chapter and opening another.

When the time came to step away from education, it wasn’t easy. Yet God provided a new career that allowed his family to stay together — even traveling with him at times. Though the work looked different, the mission remained the same: to serve God first, to love his family deeply, and to disciple his children faithfully.

Christie, his wife, has started homeschooling their boys — a decision rooted in the same conviction that guided their parents: to teach not just academics, but a way of life grounded in Scripture. Together, they’re striving to show their sons what it means to walk with Christ daily — imperfectly, but faithfully.

“These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…”
Deuteronomy 6:6–7

Generations of Faithfulness and the Finish Line

Cody’s story is also one of endurance and perseverance — lessons learned on dirt tracks and finish lines. Racing has been woven into his family for generations, from his grandfather and uncles on the dirt track to his own passion for running and competition.

In 2014, Cody began a race timing business built on the same principles that shaped his life: serve others, encourage them to finish strong, and provide excellence with integrity. It wasn’t just about the competition — it was about helping people run their race well.

The Finish Line Blend reflects that same heart — that life is not just about starting well, but about running with endurance, faith, and purpose until the very end.

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
Hebrews 12:1–2

Cody’s story is inseparable from his parents’ legacy. Their faith continues to ripple through generations. Today, they still pour into their grandchildren, their church, and the next generation of believers. Their generosity, steadfastness, and quiet example have become a living testimony of God’s grace — one that continues to shape the heart behind Arrow & Roots Coffee Co.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.”
Lamentations 3:22–23

A Faith That Grounds and Sends

Cody’s journey is one marked by God’s unchanging goodness through seasons of plenty and want, of doubt and assurance, of labor and rest. Every chapter has revealed the same truth: God is faithful, and His purpose endures.

For those who have never placed their trust in Christ, his story points to one invitation above all: to know Jesus — the One who redeems, restores, and anchors our lives in hope.

And for those who already know Him, the call remains: to live as disciples — to love deeply, serve faithfully, and pour out our lives for His glory.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always.”
Matthew 28:19–20

 


 

At Arrow & Roots Coffee Co., stories like this are more than background — they are the heartbeat of our mission.
Each blend tells a story — of work and legacy (Lumber Yard), of discipleship and grace (Porchlight Grace), of endurance and faith (Finish Line).
Together, they remind us that life and faith are both journeys — meant to be grounded in faith and poured out with purpose.