Our Staff
Michael King - Manager & Owner
I started in the coffee business in 1997 along with my partner Helen and two friends. For the last 15 years Helen and I have been building a coffee roasting company that is dedicated to striving for the best in both the quality of our coffee and helping to improve the lives of the farmers and families who grow it. My passion for farmers extends beyond the coffee lands; I am passionate about building healthy soils and grow local produce using organic methods - I can often be seen tending to the many gardens that surround the café.
My goal is for our business to help put a face on the coffee famers and their communities and at the same provide folks with a great cup of coffee.
Helen Voogd - Owner
I arrived in the Yukon in the summer of 1990 intending to stay for just one summer. However, the spell of the north drew me and after a quick return to Vancouver for a final year of university, I returned to Whitehorse for good.
In 1997 I ventured into the fair trade coffee business with my partner Michael and two friends. Conducting business in a fair way with the producers of that product, the coffee farmers, just made sense.
Years later, I'm still passionate about what we do. I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit coffee farmers in their home communities in several countries and have a much better understanding the challenges farmers face.
Bruce MacDonald - Head Roaster
I was born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia where I spent most of the first part of my working life aboard fishing boats on the North Atlantic. At 33 I moved to the Yukon in search of spirit and adventure. I was not to be disappointed, as all the time I have been looking, adventure always come my way.
I have always strived to do the very best at whatever I have decided to take on in my life. Roasting coffee and being a part of Bean North is no exception. I am very proud to be part of a business, and a group of people, who promote fairness in the world.
Ruth Bull - Customer Service & Production
About five years ago my love for a good cup of coffee gave me the opportunity to work for Bean North. Even though my work is mostly office oriented and preparing coffee orders, no two days are the same. I have the chance to be surrounded by an amazing group of people that actually care about our planet and I really enjoy walking to work - even in the winter!
Arthur MacMaster - Production & Customer Service
I believe that life’s journey is made by a collection of small steps that influence, and are influenced by, the people that are met along the way. My journey began in Ontario, led me to places around the world and finally to the Yukon. What a great Journey so far!!
I have spent the majority of my working career as a Chef in various kitchens in Canada and around the world. That path has led me to some amazing people and experiences. It has also given me my addiction to quality caffeine that ultimately led me to the folks here at Bean North.
My time spent working with the people at Bean North has been an uplifting experience as it has provided me with an ability to work with people from various regions around the world and has opened my eyes to ideals of fair trade.
