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"The people here are real," explains Mark Ritz when asked why he chose to make Humboldt County his home over two decades ago. This authenticity—coupled with breathtaking forests just a quarter-mile from his doorstep—reflects the heart of what keeps entrepreneurs like Mark deeply rooted in this community behind the Redwood Curtain.

Mark's journey to becoming co-founder of Kinetic Coffee began at Yakima Products, where his expertise in the bicycle industry helped expand the company into new product categories. When Yakima relocated, Mark and his wife Charlie faced a pivotal decision. Looking to their passions—bikes, coffee, and wine—they landed on coffee, recognizing the perfect overlap between outdoor enthusiasts and caffeine lovers. "Bike rides start at coffee shops, stop at coffee shops, and finish at coffee shops," Mark explains with a knowing smile.

Since 2005, Kinetic Coffee has been serving certified organic beans throughout Humboldt County, a commitment Mark feels strongly about given conventional coffee's status as "one of the most sprayed products we drink or eat." Beyond building a successful business, Mark and Charlie have immersed themselves in community service, working as advisors for the Small Business Development Center and with the Arcata Chamber of Commerce.

The most poignant part of our conversation centered on the Kevin Ebbert Foundation, established to honor Charlie's son—a talented musician and mathematician who became a Navy SEAL medic, saving numerous lives in combat before tragically losing his own. The foundation now supports local organizations through an annual golf tournament, continuing Kevin's legacy of service and sacrifice. Mark shared the touching news that SEAL Team 4 recently created an award in Kevin's name, voted on by fellow SEALs—a testament to his lasting impact.

As we wrapped up our conversation overlooking the soon-to-be-completed bay trail connecting Arcata and Eureka, Mark reflected on what he hopes his legacy will be: "I just hope people remember me as someone true to his values, who's done everything he can to leave the world better than he found it."

Looking to support local? Find Kinetic Coffee at markets throughout Humboldt or visit their website. Want to make a difference? Consider participating in or donating to the Kevin Ebbert Foundation's golf tournament on August 8th at Baywood.

About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!

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Thomas Nicholson Stratton embodies the spirit of agricultural innovation in Humboldt County, transforming traditional farming into a showcase of collaborative community building. From his roots in Northeast Oregon to becoming an integral part of Humboldt's food landscape, Thomas shares the remarkable journey that led to Jersey Scoops, Nicholson Livestock, and the emerging Loleta Meat Co.

The conversation flows through Thomas's formative years in Union, Oregon, where his 4-H background instilled values of service that now drive his business philosophy: "My head for clearer thinking, my heart for greater loyalty, my hands for larger service, and my health for better living." After falling in love with Humboldt and joining a dairy family, he's now managing nearly 1,000 acres with ten employees across multiple enterprises.

What makes Thomas's approach revolutionary is his focus on soil health as the foundation for community wellbeing: "When we focus on the community below the ground, we're able to impact the community above the ground in a greater way." This philosophy extends to Jersey Scoops, where they transform their dairy's milk into premium ice cream featuring collaborations with local producers like Patch's Pastries, Shake Fork Farm, Fogline Coffee, and soon Dick Taylor Chocolate.

Beyond business, Thomas is helping revitalize the town of Loleta by restoring the historic Meat Market building and positioning the community as a future gateway for the Great Redwood Trail. His involvement with Leadership Redwood Coast and initiatives like Redwood Region Rise demonstrates his commitment to addressing regional challenges through collaboration rather than competition.

The conversation tackles complex issues facing Humboldt County—housing, healthcare, economic development—with Thomas advocating for solutions that emerge from listening to those directly experiencing challenges. His vision includes creating processing infrastructure for everything from meat to textiles to seaweed emulsifiers, keeping economic value within the community.

Join us for this inspiring discussion about community-centered business, sustainability, and how focusing on others creates prosperity for all. Listen now to discover why Thomas hopes to be remembered as "someone who put others first, a servant leader who supported others in creating what they want to accomplish for the better."

About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!

Send us a text

What happens when you mix musical passion, Italian cuisine, and small-town entrepreneurship? Anthony Mantova, co-owner of Mantova's Two Street Music in Old Town Eureka, embodies this unexpected blend as he shares his journey from dairy farm days to running one of Humboldt County's most beloved music stores.

In this fascinating conversation, Anthony reveals how his family purchased Two Street Music in 2009, continuing a legacy that began in 1978 while bringing their own innovative approach to the business. From tearing down walls to create an open, welcoming space to an unexpected pandemic pivot that introduced Italian foods sharing the family name, Anthony's story exemplifies the creativity required to thrive in a rural economy.

The conversation takes surprising turns as Anthony shares his family's deep Humboldt roots dating back to Prohibition-era challenges, his educational journey to the Midwest, and political work that included collaborating with figures like James O'Keefe. His pragmatic yet compassionate approach to local challenges—particularly homelessness—stems from years of frontline experience in Old Town Eureka, where he's developed practical strategies now compiled in a book for fellow merchants.

What truly shines through is Anthony's unshakable belief in economic resilience through diversification. His personal goal of developing 1,000 different income streams and his refreshing perspective on Humboldt's boom-and-bust cycles offer valuable wisdom for anyone navigating uncertain economic waters. For music lovers, entrepreneurs, or anyone fascinated by the creative ways local businesses adapt and thrive, this episode delivers inspiration, practical insights, and a deep appreciation for the persistent spirit that keeps Humboldt's unique business community alive.

About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!