406 : Five Ways to Immediately Improve Your Coffee Quality

Chris DeferioBarista Craft, Podcast

Out of all the reasons that may be contributing to customers either loving or avoiding your shop, the quality of your drink beverages actually ranks pretty high. The trouble is, we all tend to assume that we have pretty much achieved a level of quality that “should” be sufficient to attract and keep customers and in that assumption we are …

Things the Owner Can’t do for You

Chris DeferioPodcast

When it comes to leadership, the power and authority that is inherent in the position creates a need for higher degrees of responsibility to facilitate and support those being led. Be that as it may, for those who are being led, this is not a reason…

405: Beyond the Schedule w/ Wil Brawley of Schedulefly

Chris DeferioPodcast

Technology and tools are meant to serve people, not the other way around. As we multiply apps, software, snd services in the name of optimization and ease, it can become harder to truly connect as we begin relying on these innovations to replace the very relationships that will sustain our coffee shops. The tech for making the schedule in your …

Pitching your Ideas to Your Boss

Chris DeferioPodcast

“If only the boss would listen to my ideas this coffee shop would be so much better!” We all have ideas for how to improve different aspects of the cafe. Many times I have been frustrated when my really great ideas were not met with the same…

404 : Education, Home Brewing, and Launching a Roastery w/ Kyle Rowsell, September Coffee

Chris DeferioBarista Craft, Podcast, Training

Creating in depth, engaging, and ultimately helpful educational content is no easy task. Today the number of options we have for gear, techniques, and the coffee itself are daunting to say the least. It is this vast field of options that energizes the home enthusiast to passionately pursue coffee and for some they get into it so much, they turn …

Baristas Are Not Magic

Chris DeferioPodcast

There are no shortcuts to creating something meaningful, dynamic, and sustainable. But that does not stop us from thinking that that there are! Whether you are leaning on the idea that you just need the perfect or award winning barista and then you…

Service, Spite, and Compromise

Chris DeferioPodcast

I was having a conversation with my wife and son about the practice of “decafing” customers and when anyone would take it upon themselves to do that. Ultimately it boils down to a decision we make in the moment to maintain integrity and hight…

RoR #20 : Challenging the Status Quo w/ David Lalonde of Rabbit Hole Roasters, Montreal, Quebec

Chris DeferioPodcast, Roasting

When you think about success in roasting coffee, you will more than likely be concerned first and foremost with quality. While quality is critical, it is not the only factor. And success itself is more than a measure of your businesses profit, but how your business profits others. A new and more expansive view of quality and success is one …