Without the coffee plant we have no coffee industry. The sustainability of coffee plants, farms, and farmers is the cornerstone of what we do and determines everything in regards to what is possible in coffee quality. This week we get to learn from Hanna Neuschwander, Director of Communications at World Coffee Research about the history and current state of both …
059 : Founder Friday w/ Joshua Boyt, Metronome Coffee
Joshua brings really amazing passion, energy, and insights as we talk about his beginnings in coffee, founding his cafe and consulting business, running a great business, hiring well, and finding your true purpose. About Joshua Boyt The specialty coffee industry has been captivating Joshua since 2001. Growing up in a small town at the base of Mt. Rainier in …
057 : SOP’s FTW! Success through Standard Operating Procedures
SOPs FTW! In order for any operation to be successful it needs to be supported by a set of well crafted Standard Operating Procedures or SOPs. In many a cafe there is a great need for more thorough, clear, and relevant communication around the daily tasks as things often get lost in translation and quality, as a result, is inconsistent. …
056 : The Sleepwalking Barista
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 …
055 : Personal Growth & Development w/ Jared Truby, Cat & Cloud Coffee
Pursuing personal growth and development is one of the cornerstones of success and fulfillment in work and in life. Often we can get into such a rhythm of the day-to-day at work that we forget that there is a whole world of resources at our finger tips. Jared Truby of Cat and Cloud Coffee talks with us today about how …
054 : Founder Friday w/ Nathan Quillo, Quills Coffee
Welcome to another Founder Friday! We are talking with Nathan Quillo, Founder of Quills Coffee. You will get to learn about the methods, values, and vision that makes Quills Coffee tick / The importance of buy-in and communication / What are some of the keys to their success / and the three things Nathan think every owner should do. This …
052 : Solving Coworker Conflict w/ Tom Henschel
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
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 cafĂ©s around the world …
050 : Baristas Speak Vol. 2 : Five Interviews from the Kentukiana Coffee Champs pre-lims 2018
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,
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 …
