SteamVolt began in mid-2012 as an idea anchored by Jim Karr with great collaboration from trusted friends in the coffee community.

With Fred Way doing the finance and administration, we started operations in October 2012, running the early version of SteamVolt out of our Damen and Wilson Ave apartments.

From 2014 to 2024, Nick Barnett assumed the lead tech position and more recently moved into new sales and marketing.

Our technicians are trained and tested throughout the year. Our camaraderie and work ethic are reflected in our commitment to the craft of making great coffee. We aim to provide the best possible equipment service for Chicagoland coffee, espresso, and tea wholesalers and retailers.

In addition to servicing, we sell equipment and offer a comprehensive, affordable, and seamless buying experience from the advising stages through installation and beyond. We've helped open hundreds of cafes and are happy to provide happy client references upon request.