“The steps of a man are established by the Lord.” — Psalm 37:23
Stewardship.
North Arrow is stewarded by founders, Rob & D.J., who believe conviction requires responsibility. This work is carried with the understanding that faithfulness matters more than visibility, and integrity matters more than growth.
Every decision, from what we offer to how resources are directed, is made with care. The responsibility is not to build something impressive, but to steward something trustworthy and aligned with the purpose we have been given.
Purpose in action.
“We felt overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. The support we received gave us stability and hope when we needed it most.”
- Supported Mother
Babies
500+ babies saved
Families
1,000+ families supported
Donations
$54,000+ donated
Why we exist.
We believe every human life is created by God and worth protecting. That conviction shapes everything we do.
North Arrow exists to support pro-life organizations that protect preborn babies and walk with mothers and families through difficult and often vulnerable moments. Coffee, tea, and everything we offer are the means by which that work is funded, not the mission itself.
This purpose has not changed, and it is not dependent on growth, scale, or recognition. It is about showing up faithfully and directing resources where they are needed most.
The Story So Far
How it began
North Arrow began with a shared conviction among friends who believe faith should shape how work is done in the world. Through many conversations and much prayer, the question became simple and difficult at the same time: how to act faithfully in a culture where preborn life is routinely disregarded.
Rather than speak only in words, we chose to act within the marketplace. Coffee became the vehicle not because it was trendy, but because it is everyday, relational, and sustainable. From the beginning, the goal was not attention or scale, but consistency and clarity.
Why coffee
Coffee was chosen as the means because it is part of daily life. It creates space for conversation, connection, and routine, and it allows the work to be sustained over time.
The aim has never been to build a brand around an idea, but to fund work that matters through something people already use. Coffee, tea, and everything offered are tools, not the purpose.
Orientation
The name North Arrow reflects this posture. A compass does not move for you, but it orients every step. Faith establishes direction, family gives context, and the work itself must be done with care.
That orientation governs how decisions are made, where resources are directed, and what is deliberately avoided. Growth is not pursued at the expense of conviction.
What has been done so far
North Arrow Coffee Company has been built openly and intentionally from day one. Our faith and pro-life convictions are stated plainly, and we take seriously our responsibility to deliver products with care, consistency, and excellence.
To date, we have donated 15% of every sale to protect the preborn, support mothers, and strengthen families. We call this mission Coffee For Life. By God’s grace, these efforts have contributed to countless babies being born and families being impacted. Alongside the mission, we have successfully launched a national e-commerce brand—serving customers in all 50 states—and expanded into a local retail presence, opening our first café location in Franklin, Tennessee, and operating a mobile coffee cart and café experience serving events, churches, and pro-life organizations. What has been done has been intentional.
This is not the end
This page is not a conclusion or a declaration of arrival. It is a record.
The story is still being written, and faithfulness remains the measure.
What is your North Arrow?
“We believe conviction must be matched with discipline and accountability. Our responsibility is to steward this mission faithfully, ensuring that excellence in coffee and integrity in purpose remain inseparable.” – Rob & D.J.
FEWER PARTNERS. DEEPER COMMITMENT TO LIFE.
Our partners are not names on a donation receipt. They are people we know, serve alongside, and call family. We break bread together, pray together, and stand shoulder to shoulder in the work God has placed before us. These are not distant affiliations or symbolic endorsements. They are real, working relationships grounded in shared conviction, mutual trust, and a common calling to protect life.
We do not write checks and call it partnership. We show up. We sit at their tables, walk their clinics, hear their stories, and know their teams by name. We celebrate their victories and carry their burdens when the work is heavy. This is what true partnership looks like. Presence. Relationship. Shared sacrifice. All in service of a mission far greater than ourselves.
Meet the team
Rob Mitterando
Robert is a former United States Marine Corps Sergeant and combat veteran whose leadership is shaped by discipline, service, and a deep commitment to community. His time in the Marine Corps instilled a mission-first mindset, attention to detail, and a responsibility to lead well.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Liberty University and a Master’s degree in Christian Ministry from Oral Roberts University, graduating with highest honors and a 4.0 GPA in both programs. His academic and ministry training reflect a lifelong pursuit of thoughtful leadership, faithfulness, and service to others.
Professionally, Robert has led multi-trade construction projects, operated his own construction business for four years, and served as a project manager in manufacturing, where he developed strong operational and organizational leadership skills. In parallel, he has served in discipleship and ministry leadership roles—mentoring men and families and supporting local churches.
This blend of operational expertise, pastoral leadership, and entrepreneurial drive informs his leadership at North Arrow Coffee Company and related ventures, including Franklin Coffee Cart and Church Street Farmers Market, with a focus on building businesses that serve people well and strengthen local communities with integrity.
D.J. Rettman
Throughout DJ’s life, the Lord has blessed him with many roles and responsibilities. Yet above all else, DJ is an adopted son of God, a husband to an amazing woman, and a father to four awesome children. This is how he sees himself and how he orders his life. Everything else is simply what God has added to his journey.
He is a former United States Army officer who served with distinction leading combat arms teams, where his leadership was forged through operational discipline, strong team cohesion, and decisive judgment under pressure. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Miami with a focus on manufacturing and operations, and later completed his Master of Business Administration at Babson College while working full time, strengthening his foundation in entrepreneurship, strategy, and organizational leadership.
DJ has built a distinguished career as a global business executive, serving in multiple C suite and senior leadership roles. His experience includes digital transformation, enterprise modernization, cybersecurity, advanced technologies, data and analytics strategy, and large scale organizational change. He is known for aligning technology with business strategy, building high performing teams, and delivering measurable improvements in performance, efficiency, and customer experience.
In addition to his corporate work, DJ is a co-founder of North Arrow Coffee Company, where he stewards military precision, engineering rigor, and executive experience through a faith driven commitment to building mission centered businesses that serve people, families, and causes beyond profit.
“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.” - Proverbs 24:11
