About Us

The Charles & Faust story starts in the mountains of western Pennsylvania. Two new college roommates would unexpectedly turn into brothers while snowed in during the North American blizzard of 2010. RJ Charles, a New Jersey shore native and practicing Christian. Elgin Faust, born and raised in central Michigan, and a newly practicing Taoist. Despite the cultural gulf between the American Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, and strongly differing worldviews, these differences proved inconsequential for this unexpected duo.

A decade passes. The two had long since returned to their home states, but never lost contact. After mutually facing personal downturns and various struggles in the workforce, the idea of starting a business venture together took center stage for the duo. Multiple concepts were on the table, but a fully formed vision had yet to stick.

Unfortunately, that's where the planning ended. Faust would pass away unexpectedly in an accident, but not before returning to his childhood faith of Catholicism just a year before. The loss profoundly affected Charles, leading him into years of isolation. This period ended only after several encounters with God finally convinced him to rejoin society with a clear mission: build the business.

God provided the completed business vision to Charles one night in the spring of 2023, and the brand started from there. Faust was a man who delighted in prioritizing a quality traditional experience over lower quality convenience, even in life's smallest endeavors. An old soul in an unfamiliar time. Charles & Faust strives to embody that ideology as a company.

In this hyper-connected era, the internet has democratized commerce. While the freedom of new online brands to align with the personality and desires of their customers is to be applauded, the product quality of yesteryear is lost with every available modern shortcut. We strive to bridge the gap between today’s innovation and yesterday’s unmatched American quality. Although a bond of brothers was severed on the day of Faust’s passing, a shared vision for the future lives on through the Charles & Faust brand. We would be honored to have you along for the journey.

Every coffee roast by Charles & Faust stands as a heartfelt tribute to a vital yet often overlooked segment of the American workforce. Not only that, but our collective and personal stories are deeply interwoven into our products and brand, creating a rich tapestry that connects our mission with every sip. While there are many coffee companies out there, few have heart, and none have our story.