What is your position in the coffee industry?

barista, manager, barista trainer, home barista, coffee enthusiast, entrepreneur

Where are you located? ( City and Country )

Indianapolis United States

How many years have you been in the industry?

10

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 am currently in the beginning stages of a business plan to open a coffeehouse in a nearby city. It will occupy space that is next door and attached to a full-scale pancake house and grill. There is a community college currently next door and another university outreach coming on the other side of the restaurant in a few months, so the opportunity is there demographically speaking. In a 10 mile radius there is a dunkin donuts 5 blocks away, and a starbucks 7 blocks away with no other coffee establishments nearby, so not much in the way of competition. My barista training began with Starbucks (not much real learning of barista skills, although pretty good background info on the bean cycle, sustainability, and commitment to farmers), and most recently with a fine local coffee company as well as online exploration and research to refine my personal espresso bar skills.

What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?

oh dear, probably not enough space here to list. However, internationally, any coffee growing region, Spain, France, Ireland, Switzerland/Northern Italy/Austria, Iceland, the Antilles. Domestically, Louisiana, Florida, the Carolinas, Northeast coastal cities, California (San Fran, San Diego, wine country), Washington State and Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.

About Me:

30 years of age, engaged to be married this coming year, no children, but have a sweet dog named Miley. Passionate about everything coffee and passionate about geography and about the people of this world. Love to garden, love outdoor activities, absolutely love all kinds of music, art, and science. Like to dream up ideas, innovations, and inventions.

About My Company:

Not quite there yet, but will be soon! We will be community focused, which isn't just the store or the neighborhood but also the world community and how the business works alongside the workers, farmers, and non-profits we deal with directly or indirectly.

What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?

In many ways the coffee industry brings this gigantic world into a smaller focus with a sense that community goes beyond just the neighborhood

Website:

http://none