Grounds for connection

Neither could pinpoint exactly how the conversation started or who brought it up first. But when Matthew Stevenson ’18 and James Castrataro ’14 met at the 2024 Cincinnati Coffee Festival, their connection was immediate. It wasn’t just a shared love for the event’s raison d’être — as University of Dayton graduates, it was a bond brewed over their shared alma mater. 

“As soon as one of us mentioned UD, there was an instant trust,” recalled Stevenson. “That’s just something that happens when you learn the person you’re talking to is a Flyer.” 

What began as a chance meeting over coffee quickly deepened when the two men discovered they were navigating parallel paths as new small business owners. Despite their busy schedules, they carved out 30 minutes to explore how they could support each other as entrepreneurs and fellow Flyers — a conversation Castrataro made time for before heading to UD to speak with students and provide his professional feedback on their Finance 402 final projects.

“We connected instantly and [shared] vulnerabilities about launching our businesses,” Castrataro said.

“It’s easy to feel like you’re on your own as an entrepreneur, but having someone who understands what you’re going through makes a big difference.”

Most striking, however, was how seamlessly their businesses complemented one another.

Stevenson, with a degree in music therapy, had been working in his field when a new idea began percolating. His experience in the service industry, coupled with a love for coffee, inspired him to open Blue Sky Coffee in Fairborn, Ohio, less than a 15-minute drive from campus. The 900-square-foot café is more than a place to sip shots of espresso; it’s an interactive hub designed to spark conversation and creativity, with floor-to-ceiling whiteboards, brain teasers and puzzles. Prioritizing local partnerships, Stevenson stocks his shelves with regional baked goods, tea and coffee while organizing community events like poetry readings and sip-and-create nights. 

“Coffee shops are the perfect place to work and gather, so that was really my goal,” explained Stevenson. “I wanted to create a space that everyone can come to, use and love.”

Castrataro, now an operating director at a private investment firm, earned his undergraduate degree in business administration and later completed his MBA at UD. His entrepreneurial venture began during his regular commute in Chicago. In 2019, as his coffee habit grew, he recognized the need for a more convenient way to freshen up after his daily caffeine fix without the hassle of carrying a toothbrush everywhere.

“I’d be on the L train, brushing my teeth and then drinking coffee all day,” Castrataro said. “I kept thinking, there must be a better solution.”

That solution became PostBrew, a line of sugar-free mints made with natural ingredients like xylitol, coconut cream powder and baking soda. Designed to freshen breath on the go, the mints also help prevent coffee stains, balance oral pH and strengthen tooth enamel, all without artificial sweeteners or chemicals. 

Beyond keeping coffee lovers minty fresh, PostBrew is committed to giving back. The company donates 10% of its proceeds to alleviate student debt for baristas, aiming to “contribute to the growth of a more educated, motivated and passionate community by supporting the future endeavors of our favorite coffee professionals.”

What started as a 30-minute conversation between two Flyers quickly turned into a lasting partnership. Today, Stevenson stocks PostBrew at Blue Sky Coffee, joining more than 35 coffee shops and retailers across the U.S. and Canada that offer Castrataro’s products.

For Stevenson, the partnership was more than a logical fit; it was genuine, too. “The better my shop does, the better PostBrew will do, and vice versa,” he said. “The instant willingness to help someone else is something that really characterizes the alumni community at UD.”

But beyond business, their partnership embodies the spirit of the UD community —one that only strengthens after graduation.

“The biggest benefit of being a [UD] graduate is the people you meet and continue to meet,” echoed Castrataro. “For me, that is the most invaluable asset.” 

Both men have ambitious visions for the future. Stevenson hopes to expand with new coffee shop concepts around Dayton, creating spaces to foster imagination and connection. Castrataro, meanwhile, is focused on increasing awareness for PostBrew, refining his brand and growing distribution channels to reach more coffee enthusiasts.

And because we ask the hard-hitting questions at UD Magazine: How do they take their coffee? Stevenson opts for an oat milk cappuccino, while Castrataro alternates between a flat white with oat milk and straight espresso shots.

“That choice depends on my fitness goals,” Castrataro added with a laugh.

One thing’s certain: For these two Flyers, the journey is just beginning — fueled by caffeine, creativity and a community that always has their back. We’ll drink to that.    

Illustration by Dan Zettwoch

A version of this article appears in print in the Summer 2025 University of Dayton Magazine, Page 1-2. EXPLORE THE ISSUE — MORE ONLINE