Campus Connection

UWL alumnus Benjamin Horn on the success of Free Range Exchange

Free Range Exchange is a coffee shop, cafe, bakery and miniature farmer’s market all in one — and a second location was recently brought to downtown La Crosse. 

The mastermind behind the cafe is Benjamin Horn, ‘12, who found a way to turn his passion for environmental advocacy and locally sourced goods into a successful business. 

“I have been an environmental advocate for as long as I can remember,” Horn says. “While chasing a career in the biology world, I always had a part time job working in bars or restaurants.” 

Horn started gardening as a hobby. Later, when Horn decided to become a stay-at-home dad, the garden grew along with his visions for the future.  

“We started a farm business and began attending the La Crescent Farmer’s Market,” says Horn. “The garden became a passion as I was obsessed with knowing where my food came from and my desire to ensure soil health and increasing biodiversity.” 

After a few years, Horn teamed up with his longtime friend, Cambria Kolstad-DeVaney, and her husband, Dan, to purchase a building in Hokah. Free Range Exchange began to take shape.

“By joining forces, we brought together a concept unique to our area,” Horn explains. “With our passion for real food and ingredients, we are able to showcase homegrown veggies and scratch-made offerings.” 

To align with their commitment to staying hyper local, Horn and Kolstad-DeVaney partner with over 60 small farms and businesses to feature as many local goods as possible. These practices allow Free Range Exchange’s products to remain fresh and high quality for customers to enjoy. 

“We know every single vendor and the history of why we work together,” Horn says. “There is nothing more rewarding than these friendships in the community.”

Customers raved over the location in Hokah, inspiring Horn and Kolstad-DeVaney to open another location. 

“The opportunity came up to have a vibrant location close enough to our homes and existing network of sources and relationships. Our new location has been well received and we see familiar faces, and new ones, every day,” Horn says. 

Horn stays true to his passion for environmental advocacy and sustainability by ensuring that Free Range Exchange utilizes eco-friendly packaging, composts food waste, adopts their highway and reduces food miles due to their suppliers being local. 

“Beyond our local commitment for goods, we also collaborate with many local organizations that fit our mission to promote environmental education, sustainability, arts and entertainment, recreation, and healthy living,” Horn says. 

Free Range Exchange is a shop for people of all ages with a menu that includes an array of warm and cold beverages, breakfast and lunch options, and bakery items. In addition, there are other artisanal products available for purchase made by friends of Horn and Kolstad-DeVaney. 

“You can be certain our products are genuine and made or grown with love,” Horn says. “Step into our store and you will get the immediate sense that our work is an extension of our lives.”