My Story

I'm Marty James, Founder of The Blind Bean and this is my story.

My life was going great and I was doing well as a graphic designer. This all changed in June of 2003 when I learned that life as I knew it would never be the same.

I went into the hospital with what I thought was a small infection in my foot, and I was told that I needed my left leg amputated below the knee. Due to complications not only did I lose my left leg, but I also lost my sight. By September of 2003 I was totally blind and learning to walk on a prosthetic leg.

The Blind Bean - from Dream to Reality

Accepting the hand I was dealt and saying my prayers, I began rebuilding my life.

I spent months in rehabilitation where I was introduced to several wonderful and helpful people who showed me how to regain my independence. With my new-found confidence, I decided to do something I had always dreamed of doing which was to create and develop a specialty coffee company which I call The Blind Bean - of course! With the grace of God and a great support system in place, I was able to turn a life-altering situation into a dream come true.

Marty's Philosophy

"When life's journey doesn't follow the path that you have mapped out, understand that traveling down unknown roads may lead you to unexpected happiness. "Travel through life with a joyous spirit and a cup of Blind Bean Coffee in your hand. Enjoy your java!"