The Screaming Bean: Brewing Change, One Bold Choice at a Time
In a town known for its military presence and suburban routines, Martin Grams is flipping the script on what it means to own a coffee shop. As the CEO and founder of The Screaming Bean in Aberdeen, Maryland, Grams is leading a revolution that goes beyond simply pouring coffee. His business is not just a café; it’s a purpose-driven mission, reshaping the way local businesses approach community engagement, employee empowerment, and innovation.
In a world where many coffee shops tend to mimic the same corporate playbooks, Grams has chosen a different approach—one that values authenticity over imitation and purpose over profit. From ethical sourcing and charitable giving to innovative drinks and employee ownership, The Screaming Bean is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. It’s a bold statement about how small businesses can leave a lasting impact.
A Coffee Shop with a Mission
The Screaming Bean is not just a place for locals to enjoy a cup of coffee; it’s a gathering spot for a community that values authenticity, integrity, and service to others. Located just outside the Aberdeen Proving Ground, The Screaming Bean has embedded itself in the heart of the local community. Grams himself has been passionate about supporting military causes and ensuring his business gives back to the very community that sustains it.
“We don’t wait to see what everyone else is doing at their coffee shops and then copy what they do,” Grams said during an interview. “We prefer to be the trendsetters. We set out to research and experiment and create the next big trend. And we do that by putting community first.”
This isn’t just a catchy slogan—it’s a core value that guides every aspect of The Screaming Bean. From donating a percentage of profits to building permanent housing for homeless veterans to supporting local charities, Grams has made it clear that his business is about more than just the bottom line.
The philosophy of The Screaming Bean is not about self-promotion. Grams takes pride in the fact that his charitable contributions aren’t publicized for accolades. “We simply bake giving into the business model. Quietly, consistently—and for the right reasons,” he explains.
Purpose Before Profit: Building a Stronger Team
While many businesses focus on financial gain and external appearances, Martin Grams has a different outlook on what drives a successful company. At The Screaming Bean, employees are valued not just as workers, but as partners who share in the company’s mission.
“We are at a point now where we are not just filling positions—we are evolving into something better,” Grams says. “We now follow the adage ‘quick to fire, slow to hire.’” For him, hiring is not just about filling a vacancy—it’s about finding people who align with the company’s values and vision.
The interview process itself takes an unexpected turn. “We don’t end the interview with a job offer. We do not follow up. Instead, we wait,” says Grams. “We wait to see if they reach out to us afterward and say, ‘I thought about it and I want to be part of this.’” This patience ensures that those who are hired aren’t just looking for a job—they are driven by a desire to be part of something meaningful.
This philosophy extends to the way employees are treated. Grams and his team make sure that every worker feels cared for, offering perks like free food and drinks, with no strings attached. “It may be small, but it makes a difference—and it shows we care,” he explains.
At The Screaming Bean, employees aren’t just another cog in the machine. They are seen as future leaders, and Grams’ leadership approach is designed to cultivate that potential. “You don’t build a great business by hiring people to follow—you hire them to lead,” he states.
Leadership Through Trust and Empowerment
One of the most radical aspects of Grams’ business model is his approach to leadership within his team. While many companies promote employees based on tenure or seniority, Grams promotes based on hustle, initiative, and heart. It’s not about who has been there the longest—it’s about who has proven themselves worthy of responsibility.
That’s why, soon after being hired, every employee at The Screaming Bean is handed a set of keys to both the front and back doors. This isn’t just a symbolic gesture—it’s a tangible demonstration of trust. “When someone shows hustle, initiative, and heart—I hand them the keys,” Grams says.
Take the example of Kaylie Sprissler and Tayler Blansfield, two employees who started as baristas and were quickly promoted to managers of The Screaming Bean’s second location. Not only did they take on managerial roles, but they were also given a stake in the business, with ownership percentages.
“It’s about giving employees the chance to create something of their own,” Grams explains. “We handed Kaylie and Tayler the keys and said: Make it work. Build it your way.”
The result? A thriving new location, run by the people who helped shape it. From selecting equipment to designing the workflow, Kaylie and Tayler were empowered to build their own vision of The Screaming Bean—without the usual corporate oversight.
Innovating, Not Imitating
In a world where many coffee shops simply follow trends, The Screaming Bean has taken the opposite approach. Grams and his team are always looking for ways to innovate and push the envelope—whether it’s through unique drink offerings like Honey Teas and Lotus energy drinks or introducing whiskey barrel-aged coffee to the local scene.
“We take risks—not to follow trends, but because our customers ask for something new, and we listen,” Grams says. And that’s exactly how The Screaming Bean became the first café in Harford County to introduce some of these popular drinks, which were soon adopted by other shops in the area.
It’s a perfect example of how The Screaming Bean sets trends rather than reacts to them. But, as with any business that takes risks, not every idea works out. “Some ideas just don’t land,” Grams admits. “But the baseball players who hit the most home runs also lead in strikeouts. You’ve got to swing to change the game.”
The Future of The Screaming Bean
As The Screaming Bean continues to grow, it remains grounded in its core values of innovation, community, and employee empowerment. Grams has big plans for the future, with more locations and an even greater commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
“We didn’t build this to follow the industry,” Grams says. “We built it to lead. And we’re just getting started. In six months, we plan to unveil our next big social movement.”
For Martin Grams, The Screaming Bean isn’t just about coffee—it’s about creating lasting change. It’s a business that’s redefining what it means to be a small business in today’s world. One cup at a time, The Screaming Bean is showing the world how a coffee shop can make a meaningful impact, not only in the lives of its customers but also in the hearts of its employees and the community around it.
It’s more than just coffee—it’s a movement.
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