What is your position in the coffee industry?

barista, manager

Where are you located? ( City and Country )

Chicago, United States of America

How many years have you been in the industry?

6

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 came from a more culinary background and became fascinated with the various brew methods different cultures used around the world. I have gone through many stages in my preferred brewing methods, taste, and knowledge. I still have a ridiculous amount to learn, but I am definitely always seeking out knowledge in all areas related to coffee. I currently manage Ipsento, in Bucktown, Chicago. It is way too much fun, and Coffee Ambassadors roasts in the shop on a IR-3 so the close relationship with the roasting side has helped out a ton in the whole coffee process. I have yet to travel to origin, but its on the list.

What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?

I have had to fortunate opportunity to travel quite a bit around the US, and most of Europe and Eastern Europe enjoying coffee while visiting cafes, roasteries; but most of the time the best coffee has been enjoyed in the homes of old and new friends late at night, talking about life.
I would love to visit friends in Kenya, and make friends in Honduras or Guatemala.

About Me:

I can appreciate excellent coffee, but Im not too bougie too drink some crappy dinner coffee; I just like to know what I'm getting.
I feel like coffee knowledge is endless and it bugs me when someone purports as they understand all of its tiny facets and intricacies. I find that much of coffees intrinsically high value is found in its relationship with people. When the relationships between the farmers, purchasers, roasters, baristi, and customers are dulled; I think we loose a bit of the essence that is so special in coffee. I can appreciate excellent coffee, but Im not too bougie too drink some crappy dinner coffee; I just like to know what I'm getting.

About My Company:

We serve ridiculously tasty craft roasted, farmer friendly (often directly traded) coffee in our living room type cafe. We want to unite other people in specialty coffee, and enjoy it.

What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?

It's similarities to football (proper), in it's capacity unite the globe.

Website:

http://ipsento.com