ABOUT US
Ingenious Coffee Roasters is a community-based Coffee Shop located in Downtown Marion, North Carolina sharing our in-house, freshly roasted coffee, full specialty coffee bar as well as wholesale distribution.
We take pride in providing high quality, fresh roasted coffee to our
community and surrounding areas. We have a passion for the coffee industry, love what we do, and feel this shows in our product, as well, as our customer service. Come by for a bag of beans or coffee beverage prepared by professionals and watch our coffee production team Live in action.
OUR TEAM
Eli Ornberg
Owner / Coffee Genius
Hi, I am Eli Ornberg, Owner/Operator. As a bartender looking for a change I became fascinated with a local barista and the familiarity of making drinks. This began the idea for opening my first coffee shop with my parents The Crooked Door Coffee House.
After 3 years’ experience as a barista and running a coffee shop I developed a passion and desire to learn more about coffee. I began reading every trade magazine I could get my hands on and moved on to work for a coffee roaster. It was there I began to learn the Art of
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” ~ Albert Einstein
Roasting as well as the experience in purchasing quality green coffee beans. My passion began to expand every day. As I learned more I began to realize the Science of Coffee seemed lacking, so I began to study and record data with every roast possible.
Then came the realization of the perfect combination for High Quality Coffee.
The Art of Coffee, The Passion of Coffee, as well as the Science of Coffee.
In 2014 Ingenious Coffee Roasters Wholesale was born with this combination.
In 2020 Our Full Retail Shop was launched I look forward to providing you with the best possible customer service, 20 years of Coffee knowledge and experience, and
Cleverly Crafted Coffee.
Natasha Johnson
Production Speedster/ Does it all
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas Edison
Natasha is 'Queen Bee' of Ingenious Coffee. She can be found tending to each step of our process. From preparing a large wholesale order to serving a delicate pour-over, Natasha is loved and appreciated; She has been with Ingenious since 2017.
If her coffee prowess isn’t enough to impress, her Ukrainian humor, creativity, and love of animals will. She volunteers at the local animal shelter with her two daughters and crafts much of our coffee themed décor!
Mike Ornberg
The Godfather of Coffee
Mike Ornberg originally brought specialty coffee to Marion , N.C. in 2001 with the opening of the Crooked Door Coffee shop. Partnering with his wife Ellen Ornberg and Son Eli Ornberg The old Eagle Hotel was purchased and upstairs the Crooked Door opened with Mike and Ellens Custom Framing and Art Gallery placed as well. Each Hotel Room Showcased Framed art and was a super plus to the Crooked Door with Customers being able to purchase coffee as well as browse through the building looking at the Art.
After selling the Crooked Door and Retiring from the art business Mike Continued with coffee with the help consulting son Eli Ornberg with the opening of Ingenious Coffee Roasters in 2014.
The beginning wholesale business had its stuggles and Mike was a big impact and help getting us going.
With the opening of Ingenious Retail in 2020 Mike Continued with helping consulting as well as part time barista. He is very addiment about perfect drinks as well as very good with talking to customers about coffee or just about anything. On free time Mike enjoys Iracing as well as Sailing his boat with Wife Ellen based in Punta Gorda Florida
Mike Enjoying entertaining children with his favorite puppet !
Asher Burgess
Switch Hitter/ Does it All
.jpg)
Asher comes to Ingenious from customer to employee. His wiliness to do different jobs is an asset more valuable than gold. Asher helps with production on some days and then switches his hat to barista on others. Young and willing he is a great team player and has more to come from Ingenious. On his time off he enjoys his family as well as hiking and recently enjoyed a trip out west to see the Grand Canyon as well as other sites. His favorite term is "Ok Boss whats next ?" Could you ask for more......
Alexis Arrowood
Canine Clipper
Alexis is our lead barista and always has a smile. Top notch employee and a great personality as well. Don't get too close you might just get clipped! Alexis is also the owner of Western Wags Pet Grooming . So when she's not making tasty drinks she enjoys grooming dogs, cats, rabbits, and more. She also enjoys gardening with her mom and spending time with her family and church. She also donates time when she can to Mercy Fund Animal Rescue.
Jody Johnson
Roaster Jokester
Jody is our lead production roaster and loves to chat with our customers about coffee and the roasting process. A friend of the family and customer of the Crooked Door Jody has been a part of Ingenious before it even began. He is also our official Mocha Blaster Taster and will have you in tears with one of his many jokes. One of his favorite jobs is helping out at festivals serving coffee and talking with our customers. Jody loves classical rock music and likes to play guitar himself. So say hello if you see him and your sure to have a conversation to remember.
Avram Beck
General Z
Avram Beck is one of our newest team members coming to us from Generation Z !
With his colored hair and fashionable taste Avram is a great barista with an awesome personality to go with it. Adopted from one of our wholesale Clients Avram is learning more everyday about coffee. Always eager to help he has become a great member of the Ingenious Team.
On his free time Avram enjoys skateboarding, Music and video games.
Leah Johnson
Weekend Warrior
Leah Johnson our youngest and newest barista is our weekend warrior. She attends early college at Mcdowell Tech during the week and slings coffee on her time off .
Leah has actually been a part of Ingenious for some time being the daughter of Jody and Natasha Johnson so Leah is no stranger to Ingenious and has been learning about coffee from a young age.
On her time off Leah loves to volunteer at animal rescues and also enjoys Crocheting.