As Whidbey Coffee continues to expand beyond its traditional market, Dan Ollis remains happy and grateful for the loyalty shown by customers from the coffee company’s namesake island.

Ollis’ company, Whidbey Coffee, was selected as Business of the Year in the Best of Whidbey Readers Choice Awards conducted annually by the Whidbey News Group.

Participating readers of the Whidbey News-Times, The Whidbey Examiner and South Whidbey Record also voted Whidbey Coffee for Best Customer Service and Best Coffee/Espresso.

“It’s continued to be very humbling and an honor to serve our community that allows me to make great coffee and they enjoy it everyday,” said Ollis, who started Whidbey Coffee in 1989 and has watched the company grow to 12 retail outlets, including four on Whidbey.

“It’s a great treat. It’s such an amazing team I have.”

Part of that team includes Hilary Carpenter, manager of the newly remodeled Pioneer Way store in Oak Harbor, who was voted the island’s Best Barista for the fourth time.

Carpenter, Ollis and Lea Norton-Gaudreau, the company’s regional manager, attended the Best of Whidbey awards luncheon Wednesday at the Oak Harbor Public Schools administration building to receive their awards.

Ollis recently struck a deal with Spokane-based Red Lion Hotels Corporation to start having Whidbey Coffee served in hotels nationally.

“Dan has taken 26 years to brand it,” Norton-Gaudreau said. “He’s just instilled in us his belief, and I think that’s where the passion comes from -— in our drive to just want to complete his mission.”

Other notable award winners from the 2015 Best of Whidbey included Ronnie Wright, who was named Business Person of the Year and Best Accountant/CPA. He and business partner Kathy Jolly own the Oak Harbor accounting firm, Pacific Grace Tax & Accounting.

Capt. Michael Nortier, commanding officer of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, was voted Best Community Leader, while Oak Harbor High School choir director Darren McCoy was selected as Best Educator.

Kristiina Miller was voted Best Community Volunteer while the organization she founded, The Garage of Blessings, was named Best Nonprofit.

Miller said she met with nine of her volunteer leaders Wednesday night to share the news and present them the award.

“I got all emotional,” Miller said. “I said, ‘You guys did this. My name’s on it but telling you it’s all of you. We couldn’t do this without each and everyone of you.’ That award belongs to every volunteer that works hard at the Garage of Blessings to make it happen.”