Echo Coffee, a beloved Scottsdale-based coffee shop, has become a beacon of community engagement and corporate philanthropy under the leadership of its compassionate owner, Rob Rigolfi Jr. Born with deep-rooted family values and a passion for helping others, Rigolfi has seamlessly blended his entrepreneurial spirit with his philanthropic endeavors, creating a unique model of corporate giving that significantly impacts both coffee enthusiasts and the local community.
Rigolfi’s journey into philanthropy began at the age of 21 when he embarked on a mission to Haiti, inspired by his mother’s dedication to helping people. This transformative experience — where he collaborated with musicians, artists and teachers — ignited his lifelong commitment to humanitarian work. His efforts led to the creation of the “Bob Rabbit Project,” a nonprofit aimed at aiding underserved communities in Haiti. Despite the eventual closure of the Haitian Breeze Café due to the country’s instability, Rigolfi’s resolve to help others remained unshaken.
After moving to Phoenix and fostering a friend’s dog, Diesel, Rigolfi found a new path. Diesel, who had survived a near-fatal attack, became Rigolfi’s steadfast companion during the tumultuous days of the COVID-19 pandemic. This bond with Diesel deepened Rigolfi’s empathy and reinforced his commitment to making a difference in both human and animal lives.
Rigolfi’s work at Echo Coffee and a chance encounter with a mentor led him to ownership of the café and a partnership with the Arizona Humane Society. Since June 2021, Echo Coffee has donated 1% of all sales to AHS, a commitment that has provided life-saving services, care and supplies for vulnerable pets in the Valley. This innovative model of steady support, rather than traditional one-off donations, sets Echo Coffee apart.
“For me, it’s about more than just running a coffee business; it’s about making a lasting difference in the lives of animals and people,” says Rigolfi, a passionate animal lover. “After my own experience running a nonprofit and operating the coffee shop simultaneously, I realized that supporting an established organization like Arizona Humane Society was the most effective way to combine my love for animals, people and business.”
Echo Coffee’s dedication extends beyond financial contributions. The café will soon open a second location inside AHS’s new Rob & Melani Walton Papago Park Campus. This full-service shop will offer brewed drinks and treats to AHS customers and staff, fostering a closer relationship between the coffee shop and the animal welfare community. “We welcome Echo Coffee as part of the new Rob and Melani Walton Campus at Papago Park,” says AHS President and CEO Steven R. Hansen, DVM. “Onsite, Echo’s full-service shop will offer brewed drinks and pastries to our clients, AHS customers and staff members — an amenity not found at other animal welfare providers.”
Echo Coffee has sponsored numerous AHS events, such as “Compassion with Fashion” and “Home in One,” and has hosted its own fundraisers, like a movie premiere benefiting the Arizona Trail Association. In January 2022, Echo Coffee organized a movie premiere event at Evie’s Pavilion at Papago Golf Course. The event, which featured the film End of the World by Phoenix-based musician Joey Gutos, raised funds for the Arizona Trail Association. Such events highlight Echo Coffee’s commitment to community engagement and support for various local causes.
The shop’s unique approach to community engagement includes welcoming dog lovers and their pets, offering dog treats and selling organic whole bean coffee “doggie bags” featuring images of Rigolfi’s own dogs. These bags, adorned with original renderings of Rigolfi’s dogs — Diesel, Chunky, Peggy and Luna — have become popular among patrons. Echo Coffee also plans to introduce a special Arizona Humane Society blend of coffee, further cementing its partnership with AHS.
“I believe that animals have the power to bring hope and unconditional love to people facing various challenges in life,” Rigolfi says. “By supporting Arizona Humane Society, I am privileged to play a small role in their essential work of rescuing animals and making a profound difference in people’s lives.”
Echo Coffee’s efforts have had a tangible impact. To date, the funds donated to AHS have supported a range of services that include transporting homeless pets to AHS, providing medical supplies, food, grooming services, and life-saving medical care. This consistent support ensures that AHS can continue its vital work in rescuing and caring for animals in need.
Rigolfi’s vision for Echo Coffee goes beyond the immediate contributions. He aims to inspire other businesses to adopt similar models of corporate giving. By integrating philanthropy into the core operations of Echo Coffee, Rigolfi shows that doing good can also be good for business. This holistic approach not only benefits the community but also strengthens the bond between the business and its customers, creating a loyal and engaged customer base.
Echo Coffee’s journey under Rigolfi’s leadership is a testament to the power of compassionate entrepreneurship. It illustrates how a business, driven by values and a commitment to making a difference, can create ripples of positive change in the community. As Echo Coffee continues to grow and expand its philanthropic efforts, it stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other businesses to follow.
Tyler Butler is the chief social impact officer for a private portfolio of companies, where she spearheads initiatives that benefit humanity. She is also the founder of Collaboration for Good. She is a recognized expert; her insights are frequently featured in Forbes, SHRM, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, U.S. News & World Report and other leading publications.
