What is your position in the coffee industry?

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

Where are you located? ( City and Country )

Taos, New Mexico.

How many years have you been in the industry?

5

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 a seasoned barista, current serving as an organic farmer in Northern New Mexico. I am out of the industry at the moment, but would love to come back at some point given the right opportunity.

Brief Bio: I worked at a small batch roaster/coffee chain in NC for many years. I am knowledgeable and experienced about espresso extraction, roasting, single-origin espresso, milk/latte art, the whole nine yards. I've worked on Cimabalis consistently(as well as the other huge, well-known Italian brands), but can work with any machine that functions. I can talk about coffee forever, I favor natural /pulp-natural Ethiopias and Kenyas. I have a special place in my heart for Sumatras too, even though half of them are flat and boring.

What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?

I am interested in living and working in the West Coast cities (Portland, Seattle, , but would love to bring decent coffee to New Mexico (Santa Fe, Taos, etc.) or live in NYC.

I would love to travel again to Turkey & Syria, and would love to see: South Lebanon, Cairo, Morocco, South Africa, Southern India, Chile, Argentina, Haiti,

About Me:

Born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, I bounced around a couple schools studying creative writing, sociology and finally settling on political science and Arabic and Arab culture at UNC-CH. I've lived in NC, Jordan, Boston, and New Mexico. I've worked with refugees and teenagers, professional baristas and untalented amateurs. Not much surprises me in the coffee world, besides the occasional breath-taking cup from a serious roaster.

I have an enduring interest in photography, poetry, writing of all sorts, music, politics, and sustainability / ecological issues. I play guitar, trombone and piano.

About My Company:

A small-batch roaster operating out of Hillsborough NC, Joe Van Gogh is run by master roaster Robbie Roberts. I worked there for many years, and love the place. I currently, however, am employed by my own company (founder)

What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?

The extent to which the coffee industry can be a platform for sustainable development and agriculture while providing, every now and then, sensuous culinary delight.

Website:

http://geminiwit.tumblr.com/