our sailors
Oliver James
"the roaster"
Oliver started making coffee when he was 9 years old in his father's restaurant and hasn't been able to stop. He claims to be the 'Caffiend'.
His passion led him to develop strong relationships with other Australian coffee professionals and he is proud to be part of that community.
Ian Chill
"the sailor"
While Ian grew up in Brisbane; from a young age he had his sights set on traveling the world and exploring new and exotic cultures.
This motivation, coupled with a strong sense of duty and patriotism were undeniably catalysts that prompted him to join the Navy in 1983. Twenty-three years later he was still there.
our sailors
Oliver James
"the roaster"
Oliver started making coffee when he was 9 years old in his father's restaurant and hasn't been able to stop. He claims to be the 'Caffiend'.
His passion led him to develop strong relationships with other Australian coffee professionals and he is proud to be part of that community.
Ian Chill
"the sailor"
While Ian grew up in Brisbane from a young age he had his sights set on traveling the world and exploring new and exotic cultures.
This motivation coupled with a strong sense of duty and patriotism were undeniably catalysts that prompted him to join the Navy in 1983. Twenty-three years later he was still there.
Some highlights of his recent travels include judging, and in a small way, mentoring the 2015 World Barista Competition champion; Sasa Sestic. Judging barista competitions, Oliver says, helps him "keep in touch with innovation in the coffee industry and allows him to taste the most delicious and interesting coffee in Australia".
During a coffee exploration trip to Ethiopia in 2015 Oliver was inspired him to start roasting for him self. Travelling to the original birthplace of coffee, meeting farmers and international exporters expanded his understanding of the coffee world and further solidified his obsession with finding the most delicious coffee.
Olly & Ian
This profession enabled him to visit and undertake operational service to countries that encompassed Africa, Europe, Asia, the Sub-continent and Pacific regions. Visiting these countries allowed Ian to meet people who were often less fortunate; affected by conflicts and abject poverty. This activated Ian’s passion for social justice to further develop and undeniably fuelled his desire to empower and assist the oppressed.
In 2004 Ian experienced a life changing accident while on peace keeping in the Solomon Is. While leading his team on operation; Ian fell 10 metres into a cave; broke his back and sustained many injuries that resulted in him becoming a paraplegic. Many adjustments took place and after being discharged from the Navy, Ian took his life time of experiences to help others who had experienced adversity. He worked tirelessly in an effort to allow them to adapt and overcome challenges.
Seven years ago Ian met Oliver who had just opened Caffiend. He soon became a regular at the fast growing, iconic Cairns café. Ian and Oliver shared a passion for all things that were related to quality food and coffee. Oliver taught Ian more about coffee and encouraged his ambition to become a roaster.
Ian’s knowledge in systems as well personnel management along with the many other skills he developed in the Defence Force enhanced with a little bit of OCD, have helped shape his passion for excellence and to create the best possible coffee the Sailors can deliver and distribute.
His love of tattoos and all things nautical made sense and thus, the unique logo was born. With the help of local artist Caroline Mudge, the now iconic logo was fully created and the Tattooed Sailors unanimously agree that it is pretty damn hot, original and undeniably an expression of who they are.
Equal Employment Opportunities
Tattooed Sailor Coffee Roasters is the first cafe to be registered on the Human Rights page and we couldn't be more proud! Check out our action plan leading us into 2020.
