Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, Santiago Gonzalez has been a part of the Crux Coffee Roasters family since it first opened its doors. At just 15 years old, he started working at Crux, captivated by the passion and craftsmanship that his Uncle Daniel Rudden and Aunt Victoria Rudden poured into the business. They always made sure to include him in the process and teach him the ropes, from the art of brewing coffee to the ins and outs of running a small business.

After graduating high school, Santiago pursued a degree in Finance at Florida Atlantic University, while continuing to work seasonally at Crux, staying connected to the company he loved. But when Danny passed away in 2021, Santiago felt the call to come back and support his Aunt. Determined to honor his uncle’s legacy, he returned to Crux full-time, ready to continue the work.

Since then, Santiago has been helping Victoria steer the company forward. Whether it's innovating new offerings or keeping the Crux community growing, he has played an integral role in pushing Crux to new heights while staying true to the values that his family instilled in him from the very beginning. His dedication, passion, and family-first mentality make him a part of Crux’s continued success.