David Sanborn’s journey began with a strong technical foundation. He pursued polymer and fiber engineering at the prestigious Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), where he developed analytical skills and a scientific mindset that would later prove invaluable in product formulation and business strategy.
Like many great innovators, David’s career did not follow a straight path. While his early years were focused on engineering, his ability to identify real-world problems and develop innovative solutions would soon steer him toward entrepreneurship.
Career Beginnings:
After completing his education, David entered the world of consumer product development, applying his engineering expertise to practical, real-world solutions. However, his true entrepreneurial journey began in 2012 when he launched his first consumer brand. Though the venture achieved only moderate success, it served as an invaluable learning experience, teaching him critical lessons about brand building, market positioning, and business sustainability.
In 2016, David made a strategic shift toward the consumable products industry, launching a line of pet food seasonings. This was a crucial turning point in his career, allowing him to gain hands-on experience in formulating appealing, nutritious consumables. Over the years, he successfully scaled the business, eventually leading to its acquisition in 2020—a milestone that validated his business acumen and set the stage for his next venture.
The Birth of Kiid Coffee:
David’s most significant breakthrough came from a deeply personal experience. His son, Ethan, suffered from two severe leg fractures within a single year. Despite ensuring a healthy diet and supplements, David and his family realized that Ethan’s nutritional needs were not fully met.
At the same time, Ethan developed a love for coffee mixed with milk—an observation that sparked an idea in David’s mind. Could there be a way to create a nutritious, coffee-like beverage designed specifically for children?
Determined to turn this idea into reality, David utilized his engineering and product formulation expertise to develop a blend that combined organic decaffeinated coffee, raw cacao, prebiotic fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The goal was simple yet powerful: to offer children a delicious, nutrient-packed beverage without the harmful effects of caffeine.
With overwhelming support from family and friends, David and Ethan officially launched Kiid Coffee in July 2023 as a family-driven business committed to transforming children’s nutrition.
Family Partnership and Product Innovation:
What sets Kiid Coffee apart is its unique, hands-on family involvement. Ethan, just eight years old at the time, played an active role in taste-testing and refining flavors. His younger brother, Logan, also contributed to ensuring the perfect taste for young consumers.
Through rigorous testing and development, Kiid Coffee introduced three delicious flavors:
- Original Coffee with a hint of vanilla
- Chocolate, reminiscent of classic hot cocoa
- Caramel, a favorite among teenagers
David’s engineering background ensured that the product was not only nutritious but also scientifically balanced. Kiid Coffee’s formulation includes calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and essential vitamins like A, C, D3, and B12—ingredients crucial for children’s growth and development.
Breaking Barriers in Children’s Nutrition:
The idea of “coffee for kids” initially raised eyebrows, but David saw this as an opportunity to educate the market. His approach focused on dispelling myths about caffeine while highlighting the nutritional benefits of his product. Unlike traditional coffee, Kiid Coffee undergoes an advanced water-processing decaffeination method, removing 99.9% of caffeine while preserving antioxidants and essential nutrients.
More than just a beverage, Kiid Coffee aims to address widespread nutritional deficiencies in children, providing a convenient and enjoyable solution that blends health and taste seamlessly.
Business Growth and Media Recognition:
Kiid Coffee’s official launch in April 2024 saw immediate success, generating $50,000 in sales within just four months. This early traction validated the demand for a product that bridges the gap between nutrition and taste for kids.
The brand’s unique proposition also captured media attention, earning an invitation to pitch on ABC’s Shark Tank (airing March 7, 2025). This opportunity presented David with a national platform to showcase Kiid Coffee to millions of viewers. Additionally, David and Ethan shared their inspiring journey on the Future Food Cast podcast, further solidifying their brand’s credibility and mission.
Vision for the Future:
Currently, Kiid Coffee operates through a direct-to-consumer model, allowing for a strong connection with customers. However, David is actively exploring strategic partnerships with specialty retailers, bakeries, and cafés to expand distribution.
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—lies in positioning Kiid Coffee within the retail landscape. Unlike traditional beverages, this innovative product doesn’t fit neatly into existing categories. However, David envisions Kiid Coffee being placed alongside children’s hot chocolate and healthy drinks, creating a new category of nutritious, caffeine-free beverages for kids.
A key part of Kiid Coffee’s strategy is affordable pricing. While most children’s nutritional beverages cost around $2-3 per serving, Kiid Coffee’s bulk packaging model ensures better value for families. This approach not only makes regular consumption feasible but also aligns with the brand’s mission of making quality nutrition accessible.
Education and Legacy:
Beyond building a business, David Sanborn is committed to educating consumers about nutrition and transparency in food products. Unlike many brands that use vague health claims, Kiid Coffee clearly explains the benefits of each ingredient, ensuring parents make informed decisions for their children.
Additionally, David has turned Kiid Coffee into a real-world entrepreneurship classroom for his sons, Ethan and Logan. By involving them in product development and business operations, he is instilling invaluable life skills, fostering creativity, and encouraging the next generation to think like innovators.
Conclusion:
David Sanborn’s journey from engineer to disruptive entrepreneur is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and purpose-driven business. What started as a solution for his son’s health concerns has now evolved into a pioneering brand reshaping children’s nutrition.
With Kiid Coffee’s growing recognition and expansion plans, David’s vision for redefining children’s beverages is just beginning. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs—especially those looking to turn personal challenges into groundbreaking solutions. It proves that with the right mindset, a willingness to challenge norms, and an unwavering commitment to impact, business success is not just possible—it’s inevitable.
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