Meet Jeff (J.J.) Bebout | Neon Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff (J.J.) Bebout and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff (J.J.), can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always been drawn towards ownership and management. I ran the family plumbing company as a kid, and always ended up in management rolls. A couple years ago I decided to take my art more seriously but needed to make money, so going into business for myself was a perfect way to make it all work. Then when my partner and I decided to have a baby I was going to go get a 9-5 to have more security but the world had other plans and keeping with self employment was the obvious choice! I suppose entrepreneurship has always just been “the thing” for me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I grew up in a really working class house. I was learning to be a plumber all through high school and after and have always relied on working with my hands to make the bills. I also grew up in the punk scene, as an activist and general shit starter. When I got sober and started writing and making art my social life centered around coffee shops. All these things come together in both my Neón work and my coffee company. Everything I do is for the people, for the working class. It’s my mission and my aesthetic. As far as setting me apart from others I think I’m special in the way we were all told we were but I don’t know that I want to be too set apart from others, I mean my connection and support of others and from others is what I’m all about. As far as struggles, I am boot strapping and building this business with nothing so I’ll let you know how it feels to be on the other side when I get there!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well assuming we aren’t quarantined. I would just keep a mental checklist with a big emphasis on patio time and music. We would get a show in at seventh circle, eat pizza in the alley behind Benny Blancos, pick up some records at wax tracks, drop by mutiny to read and talk to Rev and Matt. And talk with friends all night on the patio at Charlie Browns. Another day we would do Rino and get the marrow at acorn, pizza at cart driver, oysters at tommens in the Denver central market, end the night at 14er brewing they can get a beer I’ll drink the hopped nitro coffee (shameless plug for my product). Id make sure we went to castlewood canyon, the dog park at chatfield and the botanic gardens. There would be more than a couple trips to roostercat and Gypsy house as well as trips up and down broadway to hit the thrift shops. Also it wouldn’t be Denver without going to chubby’s, tacos rápidos, and a night at home making green chili. That was a lot of fun, reminded me why I love this damn city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There isn’t enough time or space to explain my gratitude but here is the short list. Wally Wessel (RIP). Saved my life taught me about myself and made me a better man. My dad and my grandfather taught me about hard work and commitment. My mom led me to art and culture My partner Sammie is my rock and holds it down. Short stories by Sherman Alexie taught me how to laugh while being in pain. That good?

Website: Glassarrowcoffee.com
Instagram: @glassarrowcoffee @neon_dad_
Facebook: Glass arrow coffee

Image Credits
The family photo Doug Hrdlicka The rat are taken by myself or my partner Sammie