Buy the Drip - Coffee and Business

We start by diving into the release of our new documentary, The Flower Story, which chronicles Miki’s journey and highlights the incredible baristas we had the honor of coaching. Miki reflects on the emotional moments the documentary brought back and what it means to share his story with the world.

From managing whirlwind travel to savoring life’s simple pleasures—like stopping to enjoy a sunset—Miki’s story is an inspiring reminder of the power of presence.

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We sit down with the legendary Mike Strumpf from Swiss Water Decaf. Mike shares his fascinating journey into the world of specialty coffee, from his start in Madison, Wisconsin, to becoming a key figure in coffee competitions worldwide as a WCE rep and head judge.

We dive into the world of sensory-driven coffee design with Hany Ezzat, founder of Ni Wares. Hanny shares his journey from his early days making coffee in a Turkish restaurant to the inception of Ni Wares, his company dedicated to designing cups that elevate the sensory experience of coffee drinking.

Beyond competitions and coffee sales, Hanny’s focus shifted to innovation and craftsmanship, leading him to create coffee cups that make drinking an immersive experience.

In this episode of Buy The Drip, Juan Pablo Campos from Lojas Coffee dives deep into the cutting-edge processing techniques that are revolutionizing the coffee industry. From thermal shock to innovative fermentation methods, Juan Pablo shares how these advancements are shaping coffee flavors and elevating the quality of specialty coffee.

He also sheds light on the recent controversies surrounding the Best of Panama and its open letter to Colombian coffee producers, addressing industry debates on standards and transparency.

He emphasizes how techniques like microlots and precise harvest timing are key to ensuring better pricing and quality, while also exploring the rise of championship farms in Colombia and the challenges posed by market fluctuations.

In this compelling episode of Buy the Drip, hosts David Crosby and Cole Torode dig into the real reasons behind the closure of Forward Coffee. They explore the highs and lows of running a green coffee importing business, from the struggles of cash flow to the complexities of direct trade and the often misunderstood pricing pyramid. Cole reflects on the critical role relationships play in sourcing high-quality coffee and how transparency can both help and hinder business operations.

Listeners will hear about some of Forward’s proudest achievements, including hitting revenue milestones and the unique marketing impact of the Forward Lottery. Cole also shares the heartfelt reactions from clients and team members when the decision was made to close the company.

Cole reveals what’s next for him and hints at the future of Forward Coffee, with plans to return to the coffee industry in an exciting new capacity. If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes challenges of the coffee business and what's next, this episode offers valuable insights.

Listen to the inspiring Elysia Tan, a three-time Singaporean Brewers Cup champion and co-founder of Home Ground Coffee Roasters, as she explores how she’s transforming the home brewing scene in Singapore.

Elysia opens up about her journey into the coffee world, her passion for creating a welcoming space for coffee lovers, and how education is key to building an engaged community of home brewers.

The conversation dives deep into the challenges of coffee competitions, where Elysia emphasizes that success is often shaped by preparation, not just the results.

Tune in for insights on the expanding specialty coffee market, the comforting and evolving process of home brewing, and why being authentic and trusting oneself are essential in the competitive landscape.

Elysia also shares her future plans for growing Home Ground Coffee Roasters e-commerce business and reminds us of the importance of enjoying the process while pursuing long-term success in coffee.

In this episode of Buy The Drip, host David Crosby and co-host Cole Torode welcome Nelson Phu, the 2024 Canadian Barista Champion, to share his inspiring journey into specialty coffee.

Nelson opens up about his path from Rosso Coffee Roasters in 2015 to becoming a national champion, the intense world of barista competitions, and the surprising parallels between coffee and fine dining.

The trio explores the critical role of storytelling in coffee, how competitions challenge baristas beyond just making great coffee, and the importance of community in the evolving coffee industry.

Nelson provides valuable insights into how fine dining informs coffee service, the importance of practicing routines for competition success, and trusting the process.

He also emphasizes personal growth, innovation, and sharing knowledge as essential for the future of coffee.

The episode wraps up with Nelson's ambitions for the World Barista Championship and his vision for pushing the coffee industry forward.

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Hunter Tedman, fourth-generation coffee farmer and president of the Best of Panama (BOP) competition, delves into the competitive landscape of the coffee industry.

He addresses the controversy surrounding infused coffees and the rigorous rules and regulations that govern the competition.

Hunter explains how farmers submit their coffee, the criteria for taste and processing, and the importance of maintaining transparency and preserving the integrity of Panama Geisha coffees.

He also shares his journey through sustainable farming at his farms, including the soil food web approach, and discusses the unique terroir of the Boquete region. Hunter emphasizes the value of educating consumers about the efforts and challenges faced by coffee producers.

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In this special episode of Buy the Drip, we’re flipping the script. While we’re usually the ones asking the questions, this time, we’re the ones in the hot seat. Recorded in late January during our time in Romania, we sat down with Bogdan and Calin from Meron Coffee to chat about our experiences in the coffee world. Check out SUBEXTRAS by Meron on YouTube.

We dive into a range of topics that go beyond just competition. We explore the evolution of coffee culture in Canada and Romania, the art of roasting, and our journey with Rosso Coffee Roasters.

You'll hear about our early days in the specialty coffee scene, our passion for creating consistent, high-quality coffee, and the challenges we've faced along the way. We also discuss how coffee can bring people together, creating a sense of community and family, and the importance of innovation in the industry.

Tune in to hear our story from a different perspective!

Kyle Ramage joins Buy The Drip Podcast. Listen to the compelling conversation with Kyle Ramage, former United States Barista Champion and co-owner of Black & White Coffee Roasters.

Kyle takes us through his fascinating journey in the coffee industry, starting with how he got involved in the specialty coffee scene, his experience participating in the World Barista Championship, and his role in a documentary about barista competitions.

He opens up about the challenges and rewards of starting his own coffee shop and roastery, providing invaluable advice for aspiring coffee shop owners.

Kyle shares insights into the growth and scaling of Black & White Coffee Roasters, discussing the operational challenges of running a roastery and the crucial need for building efficient systems. He also addresses the controversy surrounding the Best of Panama competition and the innovative processing techniques that are reshaping the specialty coffee landscape.

To wrap up, Kyle talks about the exciting opening of a new store in an airport.

This episode is packed with unique insights and valuable lessons from the specialty coffee world, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about coffee and entrepreneurship.

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