About Us
Behind Coffee and Connections
Coffee and Connections started with a simple idea: bringing people together in a way that truly matters. In a world that moves fast, where business often feels transactional, we wanted to create something different—something rooted in genuine relationships, real conversations, and a shared purpose beyond just networking.
This group was founded on the belief that when good people come together over a cup of coffee, great things happen. It’s not just about making connections for work; it’s about building a community that gives back. That’s why every month, we partner with a local charity—because success isn’t just about what we gain, but what we give.
Watching this group grow has been humbling. Seeing strangers become friends, businesses find ways to support each other, and, most importantly, making an impact where it’s needed—it’s proof that kindness, connection, and community still matter. And we’re just getting started.
Our Vision
Coffee and Connections is more than a gathering—it’s a community built on trust, genuine relationships, and the belief that giving back is the greatest form of success. We exist to bring people together, not just to network, but to support, uplift, and make a real impact in the lives of others. With every cup of coffee shared, every conversation sparked, and every act of kindness given, we are building something bigger than ourselves—one connection at a time.
Meet Derrick Black – The Heart Behind Coffee and Connections
Derrick is more than just a connector—he’s a believer in the power of relationships, community, and giving back. As the founder of Coffee and Connections, he didn’t just create a networking group; he built a movement centered on meaningful conversations and real impact.
Each month, the group partners with a local charity, reinforcing Derrick’s belief that business isn’t just about transactions—it’s about people, purpose, and making a difference.
Known for his loyalty, integrity, and passion for helping others, Derrick treats friends like family and clients like partners. Whether he’s grabbing coffee, visiting a well site, or out on the open road, his mission remains the same: to uplift, support, and create lasting value in every connection he makes.
For Derrick, success isn’t about titles—it’s about the lives he touches and the community he strengthens. If you believe in the power of relationships, you’ll find a kindred spirit in him.
Meet the team
Derrick Black - Founder /Director
Krystle Vodron - Vice President Permian Chapter
Krystle Vodron - Vice President Permian Chapter
Derrick is a purpose-driven leader, deeply rooted in faith, grounded by family, and inspired by a calling to serve. With a passion for community, he dedicates his time and talents to creating spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and truly connected. Derrick believes that true fulfillment comes from lifting others, and he approa
Derrick is a purpose-driven leader, deeply rooted in faith, grounded by family, and inspired by a calling to serve. With a passion for community, he dedicates his time and talents to creating spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and truly connected. Derrick believes that true fulfillment comes from lifting others, and he approaches every opportunity with heart, humility, and vision. Whether building partnerships, leading impactful initiatives, or mentoring others, Derrick brings unwavering commitment, contagious energy, and a deep sense of responsibility to everything he touches. His mission is simple yet powerful: to lead with love, serve with purpose, and build a legacy that empowers others to rise.
Krystle Vodron - Vice President Permian Chapter
Krystle Vodron - Vice President Permian Chapter
Krystle Vodron - Vice President Permian Chapter
Krystle Vondron is a passionate educator and community leader with over 14 years of experience in teaching, consulting, and school administration. She has served in roles ranging from classroom teacher to preschool director and now leads as the Director of Family Promise of Midland, where she supports families facing housing instability
Krystle Vondron is a passionate educator and community leader with over 14 years of experience in teaching, consulting, and school administration. She has served in roles ranging from classroom teacher to preschool director and now leads as the Director of Family Promise of Midland, where she supports families facing housing instability with compassion and purpose. With degrees in Educational Leadership and Elementary Education, Krystle combines professional expertise with a heart for service—partnering with local nonprofits and always leading with empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to community impact.
LD. Bailey Midkiff - North Chapter President
Krystle Vodron - Vice President Permian Chapter
LD. Bailey Midkiff - North Chapter President
Bailey Midkiff – North Chapter President, Coffee & Connections
From the quiet streets of Lusk, Wyoming, to the ever-evolving world of oil and gas, Bailey Midkiff has always walked a path lit by purpose. A fourth-generation energy professional with grit in his veins and service in his soul, Bailey isn’t just continuing a legacy—he’s redefi
Bailey Midkiff – North Chapter President, Coffee & Connections
From the quiet streets of Lusk, Wyoming, to the ever-evolving world of oil and gas, Bailey Midkiff has always walked a path lit by purpose. A fourth-generation energy professional with grit in his veins and service in his soul, Bailey isn’t just continuing a legacy—he’s redefining it.
Known for his unwavering community spirit and deep roots in Freemasonry, he’s the kind of guy who’ll lend a hand at a nonprofit one day and help host a car show the next—always with humility, always with heart. Now, as the driving force behind the North Chapter of Coffee & Connections, Bailey channels his passion into something bigger: creating spaces where real conversations happen, where people feel seen, and where connections turn into impact.
Fueled by faith, coffee, and a calling to bring people together—Bailey isn’t just building networks. He’s building a movement.
Larisa Lopez - Treasurer Permian Chapter
Jake Milne - Rockies Chapter Vice President
LD. Bailey Midkiff - North Chapter President
Larisa is a dynamic community leader, faith-driven entrepreneur, and fierce advocate for those around her. As a woman-owned business leader, she brings resilience, integrity, and unwavering commitment to every endeavor. She supports clients as a trusted accountant and tax professional, leads her logistics company with vision, and empower
Larisa is a dynamic community leader, faith-driven entrepreneur, and fierce advocate for those around her. As a woman-owned business leader, she brings resilience, integrity, and unwavering commitment to every endeavor. She supports clients as a trusted accountant and tax professional, leads her logistics company with vision, and empowers others as a fitness trainer and coach.
Her journey has taken her down many roads, each one strengthening her purpose and deepening her compassion. Larisa leads with heart, inspires with action, and continues to pioneer innovation across every space she touches. Her life is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and lifting others as you rise.
Jerry Villareal - Senior Advisor Permian Chapter
Jake Milne - Rockies Chapter Vice President
Jake Milne - Rockies Chapter Vice President
Jerry is a compassionate advocate and community leader with a strong track record of supporting veterans and families facing homelessness. Known for his integrity, empathy, and professionalism, he builds trusted relationships and delivers life-changing support through his roles at the Texas Veterans Commission and Family Promise of Midla
Jerry is a compassionate advocate and community leader with a strong track record of supporting veterans and families facing homelessness. Known for his integrity, empathy, and professionalism, he builds trusted relationships and delivers life-changing support through his roles at the Texas Veterans Commission and Family Promise of Midland. Jerry’s unwavering commitment to service and ethical advocacy continues to uplift lives and strengthen his community.
Jake Milne - Rockies Chapter Vice President
Jake Milne - Rockies Chapter Vice President
Jake Milne - Rockies Chapter Vice President
Jake Milne, a dedicated husband and father of two, is an accomplished industrial professional with a focus on specialty trades such as insulation, scaffolding, and the most exceptional coatings. He began his career in residential and commercial construction before transitioning into the industrial sector, where he served key markets incl
Jake Milne, a dedicated husband and father of two, is an accomplished industrial professional with a focus on specialty trades such as insulation, scaffolding, and the most exceptional coatings. He began his career in residential and commercial construction before transitioning into the industrial sector, where he served key markets including oil and gas, power, and manufacturing. This path led him across the western United States, where he committed himself to supporting communities both locally and regionally.
While maintaining executive roles across several companies, Jake launched a successful staffing firm during the COVID era and pioneered a groundbreaking wind turbine blade recycling process which now is widely recognized as the industry standard. With deep experience in start-ups, energy, and construction, Jake’s unwavering commitment to excellence has been the cornerstone of his success. He currently serves as the Soft Trades Division Manager at ATS Welding and as Chairman of ReviablEnergy, LLC.
Cheers to that cup of Joe,