William Swofford — aka Will — wears a lot of hats: software engineer, Navy veteran, owner of @postalcoffeeco, and co-owner of CrossFit Ready 2 Live. But no matter the role, one mission ties it all together: he's here to serve and build community.That mission was deeply affirmed during his time in Ethiopia. While on a service trip, locals who had almost nothing roasted coffee beans by hand to serve him a cup — not just as a beverage, but as a connection. They didn’t want to talk about their struggles — they wanted to know about him, his family, his life. That moment changed everything. He realized that coffee was more than just a drink — it was a sacred tool for creating community.So when the CrossFit gym that helped shape his health journey was at risk of closing, he didn’t hesitate. Will and his friend Pete stepped in to buy it. When the city claimed their location through eminent domain, they didn’t fold — they pivoted, drove around the city, and built something even better at 1530 S Kingshighway. Today, that gym is more than a place to work out. It’s a hub of warmth, connection, and growth — and it’s still growing.Whether he’s roasting beans, leading a “coffee & ruck,” or encouraging someone through their last CrossFit rep, Will’s mission is the same: serve others, create belonging, and leave people better than he found them.That spirit of service started in the Navy, where Will worked as a Naval Air Crewman. It was there that he learned the deeper meaning of surrender — to something greater than yourself. Much like his relationship with God, service wasn’t just action — it was heart, humility, and sacrifice.We talk about:Coffee as a bridge to connectionBuilding a gym that feels like homeWhat it means to serve your country and your communitySurrendering to something greater (yes, even journaling love letters to God)This episode is a beautiful reminder that no matter where we come from, we’re all just looking for spaces to belong — and people like Will are the ones who create them.Connect with Will:Coffee: @postalcoffeeco | postalcoffeeco.comCrossFit: @crossfit_r2l | crossfitready2live.comThis is the Jew From The Lou Podcast, where real stories meet real inspiration.Connect with Jew From The Lou:📱 Instagram: @jewfromthelou 📱 TikTok: @jewfromthelou 📱 Twitter: @jewfromthelou 📱 YouTube: @jewfromthelou#JewFromTheLou #PodcastEpisode #CoffeeCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #CrossFitCommunity #CoffeeLoversUnite #StLouisStrong #FaithDriven #MenOnAMission #WhereTheresAWay #CoffeeAndPurpose #RoastWithLove #NavyVeteran #EntrepreneurLife #FaithAndFitness #JournalingWithGod #CoffeeConversations #SupportLocalSTL #WellnessCommunity #PodcastWithHeart

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