Homestead Brew Specialty Coffee in Sumner has far more meaning for Keri Shiner than owning and operating a business. It is way to remember and an inspiration for her life.

Shiner lost her son, Jared Trudeau, June 27, 2012, to a motorcycle accident. He was 21.

Shiner has turned the grief of her loss into a positive experience for herself and her daughter, Jamie Trudeau.

Shiner decided to purchase Homestead Brew located in McLendon’s parking lot when her daughter told her it was for sale.

Trudeau had worked at the coffee stand for the previous owners.

Shiner said she initially agreed to buy the stand because it would give her “something to do” after her son’s death.

“This stand is something Jamie and I can do together,” Shiner said.

Since purchasing Homestead Brew, Shiner has received advice, assistance and support from many friends and business associates.

“I truly  believe that people and situations are placed in our life for a reason,” Shiner said. “I don’t believe in coincidences”.

Shiner said Patti and Howard Heyer, owners of the Dillanos Coffee Roasters that is served at Homestead brews, helped her take, “what was a reaction to a tragedy and the subsequent purchasing of the coffee stand to stay busy and heal,” and turn it into a viable business.

Shiner said Dave Rand with Dillanos and Lon LaFamme have also been extremely helpful throughout this experience.

She said Rand is her “right hand man” and LaFamme helps with marketing.

The stand has been remodeled with the help of Shiner’s husband and she said aside from a few minor touches here and there, the stand is almost fully done.

The logo for Homestead Brew is inspired by the last photograph her son took on his phone.

On his second to last ride on his motorcycle, Shiner said he was out riding and snapped a photograph of Mount Rainier.He later put it on his Facebook page and wrote, “awesome ride today.”

The stand’s logo is designed by Christine Felty and is inspired by the image her son took that day.

Since opening less than a year ago, Shiner said the customers, whether they know the story of her son or not, “have been awesome…. We appreciate it more than anyone knows.”

In the coming weeks, Shiner and her family will be working with East Pierce Fire & Rescue’s Benevolent Fund. The work they do with the fund will be in Jared Trudeau’s name.