From Bitterroot to Brew: The Journey Behind Forest Fuel

Welcome to Forest Fuel’s next chapter. If you’ve been following along, you know this brand was born from a deep love of Montana’s wild beauty, a commitment to clean ingredients, and a founder’s refusal to compromise on clarity—whether in relationships, recipes, or regulations.

We’re almost ready to launch. But before we do, I want to take you behind the scenes. Because Forest Fuel isn’t just a mushroom coffee blend. It’s a process. A pivot. A promise.

Rooted in Place

Forest Fuel was shaped by the Bitterroot Valley—by the quiet strength of Hamilton, the pulse of local vendors, and the clarity that comes from living close to the land. Our manufacturing happens right here in Stevensville, Montana. Our business registration lives in Wyoming & Montana, where we’ve built strategic advantages for growth. But our heart? It’s in the Bitterroot.

Every decision—from sourcing to packaging—reflects this duality: grounded in Montana’s integrity, built for national reach. Made in the USA.

Building with Intention

We didn’t rush this. Forest Fuel was registered, licensed, and inspected with care. I built compliance checklists, cost calculators, and vendor outreach templates from scratch. We onboarded partners like Vera Herbals, Nammex, and Florence Coffee Company not just for their quality, but for their alignment with our values.

Every vendor was vetted. Every ingredient tested. Every label reviewed for regulatory harmony. Because wellness starts with transparency.

Mushrooms, Coffee, and Clarity

Our blends are simple, potent, and intentional. We use organic lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, and Turkey Tail from Nammex—each chosen for its adaptogenic benefits and purity. Our coffee comes from Florence Coffee Company, a Montana-roasted favorite known for its fair-trade sourcing, shade-grown beans, and commitment to regenerative practices. Together, these ingredients create a brew that supports focus, energy, and resilience—without the crash.

These aren’t trendy ingredients. They’re functional, time-tested, and backed by science. Forest Fuel is designed to support focus, energy, and resilience—without the crash.

Cost Modeling and Creative Pivots

I built Forest Fuel’s pricing from the ground up. Every batch is modeled in Excel—ingredient costs, packaging, labor, margins. We pivoted from tins to bags, from 4oz and 8oz formats, all to stay within budget and meet environmental health standards.

This isn’t just a product. It’s a system. And every part of that system is documented, disciplined, and designed to scale.

Emotional Integrity in Business

Forest Fuel is also a reflection of how I choose to show up in the world. I’ve set boundaries—with vendors, partners, and even personal relationships. I’ve disengaged from ambiguity and emotional avoidance. I’ve chosen clarity over comfort.

That same clarity is what I offer you. No fluff. No false promises. Just a product that’s been built with intention, tested with rigor, and shared with honesty.

What’s Next

We’re in the final stretch. Ingredient testing is underway. Labels are finalized. Packaging is ready. Once we clear our last compliance hurdle, we’ll begin production—and you’ll be the first to know.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Forest Fuel isn’t just a wellness brand. It’s a community. And I’m proud to share it with you.

Stay tuned. Stay grounded. Stay wild. Stay fueled.

—Lacey