We are a unique company of diverse and passionate individuals who are willing to risk ourselves to cultivate human engagement. We develop and grow relationships with our customers by exceeding their expectations. To do this we must achieve the highest standards in drink quality and personal service. We value respectful relationships within our company, and believe this attitude can have a positive affect in our community

Malcolm Lowe moved to Missoula from Seattle in 1993. In 1991 he managed Uptown Espresso, on lower Queen Anne for owner Phil Groves. He then went on to help Groves open the first DIVA espresso in North Seattle.

"It was sort of cliché that all you had to do was live in Seattle to be an expert on espresso, but I actually had some experience when I came out here. I learned form some of the original gurus in Seattle"

Lowe first started Blue Mountain Espresso Services in 1993. This is a company that sells and services espresso equipment, and distributes supplies to espresso retailers. He sold this company in 1999, but his technical knowledge of espresso machines is an important factor in assuring the best quality shots.

"I have "razooed" these machines to produce very consistent shots at a high volume. Temperature control and daily cleaning are all important."

Before the move to Missoula and coffee, Lowe worked in professional theater as an actor, singer, composer, and sound designer from San Diego to Seattle. But between theater gigs he would often work as a barista.

"I think I pulled my first shots in 1984 at the Ashland Bakery and Café during the off season of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival."

He has continued to be active in Missoula with the Missoula Children’s theater, the University drama department, and the choral group, Dolce Canto. He also teaches the VSArts choir for adults with disabilities.

Lowe attributes the unique design of the Cabooses to his theater background.

“I didn’t want just another square building.  I wanted something with character, something that could be identified with the Old West and Missoula’s history.”

“It is really more of a streetcar than a Caboose, but I kind of morphed it into a Caboose.  And red never hurts in marketing – every director knows to put the leading lady in a red dress.”