Todd Carmichael facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Todd Carmichael
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Todd Carmichael, co-founder and CEO of La Colombe Torrefaction
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| Born | August 30, 1963 Spokane, Washington, U.S.
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| Alma mater | University of Washington |
| Known for | CEO and Co-Founder of La Colombe, Host of Travel Channel's Dangerous Grounds, Antarctic Solo Exploration/World Speed Record, Philanthropist |
Todd Carmichael was born on August 30, 1963. He is an American entrepreneur, an amazing adventure traveler, and someone who loves to help others. He is also a television personality and an author. Todd Carmichael is the CEO and co-founder of La Colombe, a famous coffee company based in Philadelphia.
He made history as the first American to walk all the way across Antarctica to the South Pole by himself. He did this without any help! He even set a world speed record, finishing his journey in just 39 days, 7 hours, and 49 minutes. A documentary called Race to the Bottom of the Earth (2010) was made about his incredible trip. It was shown on the National Geographic Channel. After this, he helped raise lots of money for the Orangutan Foundation International, which is one of the many ways he helps people and animals.
Todd Carmichael is also known for being a top figure in the coffee world. Food Republic once ranked him as the most influential person in their Coffee Power Ranking. You might also know him as the host of the TV shows 'Dangerous Grounds' and 'Uncommon Grounds' on the Travel Channel.
Early Life and School
Todd Carmichael was born on August 30, 1963, near Spokane, Washington. He grew up with three sisters. Todd was a talented runner from a young age. He ran his first marathon when he was just 15 years old! His family moved so he could go to Joel E. Ferris High School.
From 1981 to 1982, he was part of his high school's state championship running team. After graduating in 1982, he received a scholarship to run at the University of Washington. There, he studied business. He even ran his first ultramarathon, which is a super long race, when he was 20.
His Coffee Journey
Todd Carmichael loves coffee and travels the world to find the best beans. On one trip, he visited a farm that made him want to help Haiti grow better coffee. Later, the Clinton Foundation asked him to work with them on a coffee project there.
Todd has also written for popular magazines like Esquire and Huffington Post. He often writes about coffee, the coffee industry, his travels, and important topics like the environment and animal rights. He shares his adventures as the host of the Travel Channel's 'Dangerous Grounds'.
Helping Others
Todd Carmichael uses his coffee company to help people and causes he cares about. He worked with famous actor Leonardo DiCaprio to create a special coffee blend called La Colombe's Lyon blend. The money from selling this coffee helps fund the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation.
He also helped create Project Afrique. This project works with organizations in Uganda and Ethiopia to support communities there. It's funded by sales from La Colombe coffee and extra money from Todd and his business partner, J.P. Iberti. Todd also teamed up with an organization called Coffee For Water. Their goal is to bring safe drinking water to places where coffee is grown.
Cool Inventions and Awards
In 2014, Todd Carmichael entered a big coffee competition called the U.S. Brewers Cup. He showed off a new, experimental coffee brewing machine he invented, which he called "The Dragon." It was a prototype, meaning it was the first version of his idea!
That same year, a magazine called Food Republic recognized his influence in the coffee world. They ranked him as the number one person in their "Coffee Power Ranking." This shows how much he has achieved in the coffee industry.
