056 : The Sleepwalking Barista

Chris DeferioBarista Craft, Career, Podcast, Training, Uncategorized

Sleepwalking happens to us all at different points in our careers and for a variety of reasons. Though the reasons may vary the results are the same. Missed opportunity, lack of fulfillment, disillusionment, growth stagnates, we may even wonder why we are doing this in the first place! Today we will explore 7 of the main causes for why we …

052 : Solving Coworker Conflict w/ Tom Henschel

Chris DeferioCareer, Leadership, Management, Podcast, Training, Uncategorized

Conflict at work is inevitable but it does not have to take a negative turn. Hard conversations and confrontations handled well can actually enhance your relationships, the team in the cafe, and benefit our industry as a whole. This week it is an absolute privilege that we get to learn from world renowned executive coach and communications expert, Tom Henschel. …

051 : The Power of Design in Coffee w/ Liz Chai

Chris DeferioBarista Craft, Career, Podcast, Uncategorized

Elizabeth Chai built her Graphic Design career as a coffeeshop dweller and coffee consumer. After a Design Director stint with Octane Coffee, her passion for advancing the industry convinced her to focus her design, branding, illustration, and photography skills exclusively within Specialty Coffee. Her love of “coffee+design” has resulted in extensive travel to see as many cafés around the world …

050 : Baristas Speak Vol. 2 : Five Interviews from the Kentukiana Coffee Champs pre-lims 2018

Chris DeferioBarista Craft, Career, Podcast, Training, Uncategorized

It’s the 50th Episode of Keys to the Shop and I had the opportunity to interview 5 people live at the Kentuckiana Coffee Champs Pre-lims this past weekend. In this 2nd edition of Baristas Speak Nathan Quillo, Sam Miers, Cimara Dunn, Matt Park, and Rita Kaminsky join me on the  to give their thoughts on the role of the barista, …

049 : Founder Friday! w/ Jason Card,

Chris DeferioFounder Friday, Podcast, Uncategorized

Are you wanting to start something in your town based a shared passion for coffee? Do you want to invest more into your existing community and want some tips from a seasoned pro? Today’s guest will address those question and more. Jason Card is the founder of Journeyman Coffee in Tallahassee, FL and in today’s Founder Friday episode we get …

048 : How to taste coffee w/ U.S. Cup Tasters Champion, Steve Cuevas!

Chris DeferioBarista Craft, Career, Podcast, Training, Uncategorized

Steve Cuevas of Black Oak Coffee Roasters is the 2017 U.S. Cup Tasters Champion and he is here to here to talk to us about learning to taste, tips for developing your palate, and talking to customers about coffee with confidence, and empathy. His approach to cupping and communicating about coffee to consumers is generous and refreshing and will inspire …