Mike Shipley

Male

NW Suburbs of Chicago

United States

Profile Information:

What is your position in the coffee industry?
barista, manager, coffee shop owner, barista trainer, coffee roaster, industry professional
Where are you located? ( City and Country )
Crystal Lake, IL. NW Chicago Suburb
How many years have you been in the industry?
2
If you are a barista or shop, are you interested in a barista exchange with another coffee shop/barista?
yes
Tell us more about your coffee shop or barista skills.
I've been truly passionate about coffee for a couple of years now...

It started when my father read an article in Smithsonian Magazine about sustainable coffee farms and their affects on communities and primarily ecosystems.
My parents had wanted to invest in a family business for some time and were long time coffee geeks... so coffee it is.
I jumped on board the summer of 05 and we opened Conscious Cup Coffee in January of 06.
I'm a managing partner and run the shop along with my brother Jason. I act as Service Manager, Roaster and Barista.
What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?
I would love to get involved at origin. As a roaster and coffee buyer it's my ultimate goal to know all of my coffees and their growers intimately. So... let's go to Guatemala!
About Me:
My BA is English with an emphasis on Education. My original plans right out of college were to take a year off (waiting tables) then begin teaching. Plans changed when I jumped on board the coffee shop.
I'm passionate about coffee and in particular the promise of good coffee as an agent of social and environmental change.
About My Company:
Conscious Cup Coffee is an independent, family owned and operated roastery and cafe in Crystal Lake IL. We specialize but aren't limited to Fair Trade and Organic Coffees. We wholesale and fundraise in addition to our retail shop. At two years old our future is bright and we've got a ten year lease so we're not going anywhere.
Website:
http://consciouscup.com

Comment Wall:

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  • Brian Bergman

    I'm going to be back in your town today...once again, and I'm hoping to stop by this afternoon and fill up on some coffee goodness and get to shake your hand and say hello. I'm not sure what time, but I'll be the very tall guy in the gray and black striped shirt who's got some friends in tow to introduce them to some good Chicago area coffee. Hope we get to meet!

    Oct 1, 2008

  • Heather

    hi Mike- Sorry it took us so long to be friends. ;) I hope life, work, and your coffee is all doing great!

    Nov 25, 2008

  • angela

    My name is miss angela desmond i saw your profile today and became interested in
    you,i will also like to know you more,and i want you to send an email to my
    email address so i can give you my picture, for you to know whom i am.
    Here is my email address( ( angela5000desmond@yahoo.fr)
    I believe we can move from here!
    I am waiting for your mail to my email address above.
    (Remeber the distance or colour does not matter but love matters alot in life)
    ( angela5000desmond@yahoo.fr)

    Oct 10, 2010