jackson Bredehoft
Jackson spent eight years working for the Department of Defense before
channeling his passion for coffee and entrepreneurship into something
special. In 2016, alongside his brother Tristan, he co-founded Café
Rica, starting with importing Costa Rican coffee from Café Naranjo and
selling it through their online store.
Today, Jackson is leading the charge as the Director of Coffee & Beverage Operations as Café Rica expands its beverage
line to include iced teas, lemonades, and other refreshing drinks, all
while staying committed to quality, community, and the craft of
coffee.
Jackson is our Lead Consultant on Beverage Development, Manufacturing, & Social Media Marketing
Tristan Bredehoft
Tristan is a community-driven entrepreneur who uses hospitality to create safe spaces and bring people together through food and beverage. As co-owner of Café Rica and Breaking Bred, he’s led with purpose and earned recognition like the 2022 Business of the Year and the Good For Michigan Governance Award for sustainability, community impact, and employee empowerment. He even launched a new restaurant during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A proud graduate of Michigan State University, Tristan's mission is to uplift people, celebrate culture, and support local farmers by blending a passion for coffee, service, and storytelling. Through intentional spaces and culinary experiences, he ensures that every person who walks through the door feels valued and seen.
Tristan is also a proud husband to his inspiring wife, Michelle, and dog dad to two fun-loving pups, Bellamie and Sammie.
Tristan is our lead consultant on Leadership Development, Restaurant Operations & Brand Development
Michelle Salazar
Michelle is a bridge-builder and systems thinker who uses food, language, and policy to create more equitable and connected communities. As the Chief Human Resource Officer and co-owner of Café Rica and Breaking Bred, she leads with deep intention and care. She is a proud graduate of Western Michigan University, a WKKF Community Leadership Network alum, and part of the Global Fellows Network. Michelle also spearheaded a transformative Language Incentive Policy for City of Battle Creek employees and is building a growing housing portfolio, currently with two properties.
She shows up to create systems of care that center dignity, language, and belonging—because she believes that communities thrive when they are seen, resourced, and rooted in their own power.
Outside of work, Michelle is a puzzle queen who loves spontaneous dance parties to Selena with her dogs, Bellamie and Sammie, and her husband, Tristan.
Michelle is the Lead Consultant on Human Resource Development, Standards & Policies, Language Access, & Cultural