MICHAEL THOMPSON
The man. The legend. The caffeine-fuelled visionary.
Michael, the Northern Irish driving force behind Rust & Roast, turned his obsession with life into a full-blown adventure. Whether he's sponsoring local sports or chasing thrills, he’s all in. Living and breathing the brand - EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Rust & Roast is his dream life, built on bold beams and a steady supply of cold coffee!
AAAND since we don’t do things by halves here at RUST & ROAST, let’s crank it up a notch and get properly nosey. Think less job interview, more pub chat... we’re spilling the good stuff!
Let us dive straight in with a nice and easy one -
What is your go to coffee order?
A STRONG flat white... about 342 of them per day!
(we can confirm that this is true)
What is a song that you have had on repeat recently and why?
Counting Stars by OneRepublic. It hits the vibe perfectly — all about chasing dreams and making it count. Plus, it's a banger to belt out in the van! Tried and tested road trip tune.
What does RUST & ROAST mean to you, personally?
To me, RUST & ROAST means creative freedom - pure and simple. It’s about breaking away from the “same old” and doing things our way, as a team and a community. It’s not just thinking outside the box… it’s tearing the box to pieces and building something better with the scraps.
What is one thing that you always have in your pocket?
My phone - though I’m going to be honest, it’s usually in my hand and not in my pocket. It never stops ringing but honestly, I’m grateful for every call. It means things are moving and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What would your biography be called?
BE WILD OR DIE TRYING (whilst probably Covered in Mud).
(we absolutely love that!)
Who is your dream dinner guest? Dead or alive.
Ayrton Senna - no question. The man was a legend! Not just behind the wheel but in how he approached life: fearless, focused and full of heart. I’m a massive motorsport fan, so having him round for dinner would be the dream. We'd talk racing and life philosophy whilst I would be trying my best (unsuccessfully) to play it cool...
What are some surprising interests/ hobbies of yours?
Again, I’m a massive motorsports fan and I’m also really into downhill mountain biking. I am usually chasing my nine year old son down a trail somewhere. On the flip side, I’m also a full on horticulture nerd. Like, naming each plant I drive by on road trips by their Latin name level of nerd... Dirt, speed and greenery — that’s the dream combo.
How did you get into landscaping?
Long story short, I’ve always had a creative streak and after being told by my English teacher a long time ago that I’d never amount to much, I let go of my dream of becoming an architect. Landscaping seemed like the next best thing. Plus, it meant spending more time outdoors which I absolutely loved. Looking back, I’m honestly glad things turned out the way they did. I’ve spent over 20 years loving what I do and now I’m building something even bigger. Creating a life and business that I never thought would be possible.
We’re SO here for the deep and personal… We’re not just here to answer questions. We’re here to show the real people behind the brand. Because at the end of the day, it’s the stories, quirks and small habits that make Rust & Roast what it is.
Where do you find inspiration outside of work?
Honestly? Everywhere. I’m big on the outdoors, so nature is a constant source. Which makes sense to me too. Our core materials reflect that. But it’s also about people, family and community. Creating spaces people are proud of and love spending time in? That feeling is priceless.
And there you have it! Coffee-fuelled chaos, bold dreams and part of the team that lives and breathes this wild ride we call Rust & Roast.
Same time next Monday?
We’ve got more faces and fun facts coming your way…