Nestled in the heart of Portland’s Old Town, Deadstock Coffee has become a beacon for coffee and sneaker aficionados since its inception in 2018. Ian Williams, the founder and owner, envisioned a space where these two worlds could harmoniously intertwine. ‘I’m passionate about bringing people together, and cafes are a natural hub for that,’ Williams explains. ‘Combine that with my love for Portland’s sneaker community, and the idea for Deadstock was born.’
Williams’s venture has not gone unnoticed. He is a recipient of the coveted 2023 James Beard Broadcast Media Award and the 2022 Travel Portland President’s Award. The absence of a traditional menu at Deadstock fosters an atmosphere of conversation and connection, encouraging customers to engage with the staff and each other.
Williams’s upcoming TEDxPortland talk will focus on the transformative power of community. ‘True community is something that emerges organically,’ he emphasizes. ‘It’s not something that can be forced. We need to actively participate and contribute to cultivate it.’ Williams is also committed to inspiring confidence in others, showing the people of Portland that extraordinary achievements are within everyone’s reach.
‘We often reserve the spotlight for individuals like scientists, doctors, and renowned designers,’ Williams observes. ‘But I’m just an ordinary guy. I hope my story will inspire others to realize that they too can make a significant impact.’ Tickets for the Saturday TEDxPortland event are available at tedxportland.com.
