Meet The Sagebrush Team
Sagebrush Coffee is a small roastery with a lot of help. What's missing from this list are countless hours of friends giving advice and support. This business is run by the people below, but it exists because of the selfless contribution of many unnamed friends and family members that keep giving their time to help us grow.
Matt Kellso
Sagebrush Coffee Owner:
I started this business as a way to subsidize my coffee roasting hobby in 2012. I combined my love of coffee with my background in web design, marketing, and Industrial Engineering to try to make an online coffee roasting business happen. I was born at University of Michigan hospital (bleeding blue), but spent my childhood in South Carolina. When I was about 10, I moved to Tempe, and have lived within a few miles of that home ever since. I love the east valley but hate the heat, which makes the summers a test of patience. I graduated from Arizona State University with an Industrial Engineering degree and spent the first decade of my career at Intel doing anything from process improvement projects to forecasting to RFID consulting. Moving on from there I spent the next 15 years at Spencer's TV & Appliance doing much of the same things. In April of 2020 I finally stepped away to focus on Sagebrush full-time. After we learned to manage the rush of online orders that COVID brought, we moved to a larger production facility and focused on opening our coffee shop.The last few years have also given me an opportunity to nurture international relationships in sourcing our coffees. I love the coffee industry, I love the community of local shops, the camaraderie of local micro-communities of a single shop, learning and educating on the industry. But nothing brings me more joy in my work than talking to a farmer about their coffee and how our little business in Chandler is thriving because they’ve dedicated their life to the pit of a coffee cherry. When I’m not at Sagebrush I’m probably meeting with someone from our Church (Grace Bible Church in Tempe) where I’m a pastor, reading or vacationing with family which includes exploring coffee shops.
Office & Production Team
You may not see this group at the coffee shop, but they're very much involved in everything you see at Sagebrush.
Cameron Dodd
Coffee Education Specialist:
Cameron was born in Tucson, Arizona, but has been a Phoenix native since she was 12. She joined the Sagebrush team in February of 2025 as our Coffee Education Specialist where she gets to inform customers and co-workers alike of the wonders of specialty coffee! When she’s not working, you can find her reading, writing, being involved at her church, trying new restaurants/coffee shops, and going on trips with her kids.
Jonathan Kellso
General Manager / Head Roaster:
Jonathan has been a part of Sagebrush for over 10 years. Since creating the logo, he has stepped into the role as head of branding and design for the company and produces all of the photography and packaging design. Along with branding, he manages operations of the coffee bar, training baristas and developing new drinks with our assistant managers. He is also plugged into his church and plays bass on the worship team. In his free time, he loves going out with his wife, Diana to new restaurants. He and Diana also run an online vintage clothing store called Nosy Ghost Vintage and spend the majority of their downtime photographing new pieces, writing descriptions, and sourcing new clothing.
Zoë Maiden
Office Manager / Media Development:
Zoë became a part of the Sagebrush team in 2016 where she took on the role of lead packager and office manager. In 2019, after having her first child, she transitioned to working remotely and focuses mainly on product creation and email marketing management. When not working, Zoë enjoys spending quality time with her husband Seth and her two children, Zander (5) and Saylor (2.5). She loves exploring local restaurants and coffee shops, reading, traveling, and interior design. Did we mention that she is also Matt's younger sister?
Cole Simpson
Barista / Syrup Prep / Production Assistent:
Cole began working at Sagebrush in September of 2024. He has always loved coffee and has enjoyed being in an environment where he can further grow his skills and knowledge. Outside of the coffee shop, Cole likes to make music, with his main focus being on singing and guitar. He is currently working on a self produced EP that he hopes to release in the next few months. Beyond that he likes exploring new places, being outside, and catching up with friends.
Baristas & Shop Managers
If you've been into our coffee shop & roastery in Chandler, you've probably had the joy of meeting one of our baristas. We have the best group!
Grant McMartin
Barista / Assistant Manager / Event Coordinator:
Grant began working for Sagebrush almost a year ago and has been a great addition to the barista team at our coffee and tea shop. He is currently a junior at Grand Canyon University and is studying business management with a minor in Biblical studies. Grant has had a passion for coffee since he was young, but never got the opportunity to pursue it as a career. In his free time, he loves to explore coffee shops, discover new music, and serve in his church. Grant is originally from Minnesota but is looking forward to making a home out of the Valley.
Shelby Peiser
Barista / Assistant Manager:
Shelby joined the Sagebrush team after moving to Arizona from Chicago, Illinois, where she was born and raised. She loves food, music, animals, and traveling. A fun fact about her is that she spent six months traveling, three of which were spent caring for wild howler monkeys in Belize. In the future, she hopes to open her own cafe and visit as many countries as possible.
Chris Ramirez
Barista / Assistant Manager:
Chris joined our Sagebrush family in March. He has a passion for food and drink and before joining us, he worked as a barista at Starbucks for a few years. In addition to being part of our team, Chris is a student pursuing his dream of teaching in a foreign country. When not at work or school, he likes learning about history, trying new coffee places with friends, or playing video games. He also enjoys all things Marvel and has a passion for traveling!
Sarah Brandon:
Barista:
Sarah began working at Sagebrush in May of 2025. She enjoys the community aspect of hospitality and values getting to know customers through everyday conversations. With a background in biological sciences and a love for nature, she brings curiosity and creativity into her work. Outside of Sagebrush, Sarah enjoys spending time with friends, staying active, and exploring new places.
Eden Kellso
Barista / In-House Baker:
Eden is Matt's youngest child and only daughter. She is a student at Hamilton High School and enjoys cooking and doing her nails in her free time. Her main role at Sagebrush is as a barista but she also spends time in the back of the shop developing our food menu. She is currently working towards her driving permit and is excited to be able to drive on her own soon!
Noah Kellso
Barista / Shop Projects / Classroom Instructor:
Noah, the second oldest Kellso sibling, is a barista at our coffee bar and the secondary roaster and packager for Saturday shipments. His dedication to Sagebrush has been present ever since the company's beginning, and he got started as an official employee as quickly as he could. Noah is currently attending ASU at their sculpture program to get the skills necessary to become a furniture designer. He fills his free time with various hobbies such as playing video games, sewing, listening to music, and hanging out with friends.
Janna Knight
Barista:
In Janna's mind, quality coffee and sustainability go hand in hand. Her love of specialty coffee roasting developed at a young age, when her parents got into the coffee industry themselves. Janna has always had a passion for the outdoors, and earned her bachelor’s degree in conservation and environmental biology. She previously worked as an outdoor camp educator, a seasonal grassland bird research technician, and now enjoys learning about Arizona’s biodiversity while developing her skills as a barista! In her free time, she loves birdwatching, playing cello, and getting into crafts or puzzles. Janna is fascinated by every aspect of coffee cultivation, and loves getting to work with a team that highlights the producers behind each amazing cup of coffee.