Thomas R. Bong, Bong Brothers, Captain Cook, Hawaii: pioneer in Kona Coffee....

Born in Los Angeles in June of 1943, Thomas Bong was educated at the Webb School of California and Stanford University.

He has served in the military in both the U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Corps. He began his coffee career by founding Bong Brothers Coffee Co. with his brother, Douglas,

Thomas was a charter member of the Specialty Coffee Association of America, and served two years on its board of directors in the association's early days.

In 1986, Thomas opened a Bong Brothers store in Kona with then wife, Linda. She still operates the store, which features Kona coffee, specialty foods, and a natural foods snack bar.

In 1989, Thomas established Mountain Coffee Co. Ltd. with E. M. Fulmer - of Gold Mountain Coffee, Emeryville, California and associates to restore and operate two historic (circa 1929) coffee mills in Kona.

On a non-coffee note, Thomas founded the Hawaiian Ocean View Astronomical and Philosophical Society (1996).

Thomas has always kept the plight and financial remuneration of the coffee farmer foremost in his mind. He is truly a friend to the Kona industry and has helped Kona achieve its illustrious and high quality name.