Coffee and tea brand BLK & Bold has become Iowa’s fastest-growing company due to the efforts of founders Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson.

The Des Moines-based company bloomed from an idea Cezar had while visiting an upscale coffee shop. In that moment, he was inspired to start a business that would serve a higher purpose, Inc. magazine reports. It’s why he tapped his best friend, Johnson, to launch BLK & Bold in 2018.

As part of the vision, the company donates 5% of its revenue to nonprofits that are empowering the youth.

“Co-founders, Pernell & Rod created this company with the desire to unite coffee and tea lovers worldwide through a common interest of investing in community, specifically for the youth,” a statement on the company website reads. “Pernell & Rod believe that if children are the future, then they should be equipped with resources to manifest their potential.”

With a powerful mission and product, BLK & Bold made its way into Target stores in January 2020, per Inc. magazine. Following the death of George Floyd, the company and other Black-owned businesses received an uptick in support, and BLK & Bold gained a partnership with Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator. Within two years, its revenue reached $8.5 million. Today, the company’s products are sold in 11,000 stores across the United States.

What’s more, it was ranked No. 61 on Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for 2023. This was also the highest listing for a company located in Iowa. Per Axios, BLK & Bold was Iowa’s fasting-growing private business for three consecutive years in a row. Since 2019, it has grown 7,404%.

“We made the list, BLK & Bold is No. 61 of the fastest growing companies in America, for the 2023 Inc. magazine list,” Cezar expressed on LinkedIn. “I’m proud to get here with a team that cares about what we do, and how we show up in value to our community. This is about more than numbers, we’ve disrupted linear expectation with purpose and community impact, and to be recognized for that, means so much… but the numbers don’t lie either. Thank you to anyone who has ever supported and continues to support in who we are and what we do. Cheers to growth!”

Johnson shared on LinkedIn, “I’m still trying to process it all but remain grateful nonetheless. Thanks to my team and everyone that’s been rooting for us along the way. This is OUR win! Cheers to growth.”