At Blazin’ Joe, we’re more than just a firelog company—we’re two adventurous, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs on a mission to transform waste into warmth.
We’re Maddie Cataldo and Maya Nefs, and we met while playing hockey at CU Boulder. Here, we became fast friends and quickly bonded over a shared a passion for adventure, sustainability, and the outdoors. Both of us majored in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility, and together, we’ve channeled our energy into creating something that truly makes a difference.
Maddie started the company during her college years. Her participation in CU's Female Founder Challenge, Boulder's Small Business Development Accelerator, and the Entrepreneurship Empowerment program in South Africa has helped shaped Maddie into a visionary leader and critical thinker.
Maya joined the team in early 2024, bringing a wealth of complementary skills and expertise. From developing clean water solutions in Peru to corporate sustainability consulting and sales management, Maya’s diverse background has sharpened her abilities in pro-forma finance, market research, and operational strategy. Her dedication to sustainability and business growth makes her an invaluable part of the Blazin’ Joe team.
Together, we’re united by a shared mission to innovate and inspire. By recognizing the untapped potential of coffee chaff—a material often discarded—we’ve created a product that not only makes a positive impact but also helps spark meaningful moments and lasting memories.
Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening indoors or a lively outdoor gathering, we’re here to fuel your fire—bringing people together while making a net positive impact on our planet.
Join us in turning waste into warmth and sustainability into something to celebrate.
Our Mission:
At Blazin' Joe, our mission is to ignite positive change by transforming coffee waste into sustainable solutions. We're committed to making a lasting impact on our environment and community. We believe that doing the right thing is at the core of every decision we make, as we craft innovative and eco-friendly products that bring people together while reducing our ecological footprint.
Our Values
1. Staying Grounded: We are grounded in our core values and consider them in every decision that we make. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, always doing what's right, even when it's challenging. Our integrity drives us to be transparent, honest, and reliable in all our endeavors.
2. Always Authentic: We never ever claim to be something that we are not. We are unapologetically ourselves and love one another for being themselves. We celebrate our differences and wholeheartedly accept everyone for who they are.
3. Outrageous fun: We infuse fun and enjoyment into our journey. We believe that passion and happiness are vital ingredients in creating a vibrant, innovative, and supportive work environment.
4. Constant Curiosity: We maintain an insatiable curiosity, constantly seeking new ways to improve and innovate. We embrace change, learn from experiences, and remain open to fresh ideas.
5. Trailblazin’: We are pioneers, boldly exploring uncharted territories in sustainability. Our commitment to trailblazing leads us to explore unorthodox solutions and take calculated risks to drive progress.
Learn more about our journey here: