This is a picture of Mr. Fred Hacksunda at his well attended birthday celebration this past March 1.
Most of us can only wonder if we could possibly live to be 100, but the founder of HealthWise Gourmet Coffees has done just that!
Fred Hacksunda of Pleasantville, New York has now reached the century mark. Fred was born in 1908, a year in which Teddy Roosevelt was president, the first Model T car was produced, and the population in the U.S. was just 89 million. Now a hundred years later, there are only about 55,000 centenarians in the U.S., and Fred is one of them.
Some twenty five years ago, when Fred Hacksunda was just a youngster of 75, he along with a doctor and a friend developed a methodology for roasting coffee that reduces the acid in coffee. The process they developed also imparts significant minerals and micronutrients which the roasting processes of other coffee companies - including the largest in the business - can't match. This 100% all natural process went on to be approved by the FDA as producing a completely unadulterated coffee. The name "HealthWise" was later taken for the obvious reason that this is a coffee that must be good for you.
HealthWise coffees are good for you since they provide a significant amount of the Recommended Daily Allowance for essential minerals in a brewed cup; and with low acid, a coffee drinker can drink multiple cups without stomach discomfort. Beyond that, the coffee has an exceptional taste - a smooth, mellow taste with no bitterness or harshness, and no unpleasant aftertaste.
In the 25 years since Fred and his partners first developed their unique roasting process, HealthWise coffee has gone on to be endorsed or approved by many business, government and even religious organizations. These include the American Culinary Institute; many Fortune 500 companies; branches of the federal government such as the GSA, Veterans Administration and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Vatican even allows the use of its name, logo and seals with the sale of this extraordinary coffee.
During his long and full life, Fred has operated an apple orchard, sold real estate in Florida, and been in the antique business, among his other endeavors. During World War II, Fred served as a radio officer in Navy Air Transport providing logistical services.
Fred recently stated "I've been fortunate to accomplish a great deal in my lifetime, and I am very proud to have helped develop HealthWise coffee. This is something that truly helps people and something that can be perpetuated long after I'm gone".
Fred also indicated that he is often asked what the key to his longevity is, and did his healthful coffee discovery play a part in that? Fred said "For me, the secret to living a longer life is keeping a positive attitude, having a strong faith, and living a healthful lifestyle. A coffee that is good for you can only help".
Today HealthWise Gourmet Coffees, LLC is led by Michael Reines, CEO and Jim Couch, President and COO. Together they are working to bring HealthWise coffee to a broader audience in the U.S. and overseas. Michael Reines indicated "Specialty coffee is the fastest growing segment of the beverage market, while people are becoming increasingly health conscious. Put those two together, and we believe what Fred Hacksunda started with HealthWise coffee can play an important role in people's lives".
