This week on Buy The Drip, we’re joined by Jill Hoff Canada’s first female Barista Champion and Director of Coffee & Education at Monogram Coffee.Jill’s story is one of grit, growth, and relentless curiosity. From her early days on bar to leading one of Canada’s most respected coffee programs, she’s built a powerful career in specialty coffee and she’s done it while lifting others along the way.In this episode, we dive into:-How she built a meaningful career in coffee through education, competition, and connection-The behind-the-scenes grind of training barista champions-Her approach to green buying and forming long-term relationships with producers-What mentorship in coffee looks like when it’s done right-Why building a career in coffee takes both intention and love for the craftWhether you’re a barista, trainer, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with wisdom from one of the industry’s most respected voices.Press play—this one’s for anyone dreaming of a lasting career in coffee.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Buy The Drip!💌 Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLY: https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribe☕ ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007We roasted for the last two World Barista Champions — we’d love to roast for you too: www.rossocoffeeroasters.com🎓 COACHING & CONSULTING: www.buythedrip.coffee🎙️ PODCAST Coffee and business insights: Apple | Spotify📺 Subscribe on YOUTUBE: @buythedrip.coffeeFollow us on INSTAGRAM: @buythedrip.coffeeFollow Dave: @crosbyandcoffeeFollow Cole: @torodeo
Max Boegler, co-founder of Sovda, went from discovering coffee while living in China to launching one of the most talked-about coffee tech companies in the world. In this episode, Max shares how Sovda is building tools like The Pearl to help producers and roasters improve quality, consistency, and efficiency without losing sight of the values that define specialty coffee.We cover a lot in this conversation:-How Max’s journey into coffee began with curiosity and hustle in 2017-The early days of Sovda and how crowdfunding helped launch their first machine-Why color sorting still underused in roasting is becoming a game-changer-How Sovda is addressing a 145% U.S. tariff while expanding into markets like Australia, Korea, and Japan-The tension between tech and ethics in specialty coffee: is post-roast sorting “cheating,” or just smart QC?-What it means to grow a coffee business that serves both sides of the value chain from farm to final cupThis episode is for anyone navigating the intersection of craft, tech, and business in coffee. Whether you’re building a roastery, sourcing green, or obsessed with quality. Max brings insight, honesty, and a refreshing perspective on what it takes to push the industry forward.#buythedrip #Sovda #CoffeeTechnology #SpecialtyCoffee #CoffeeSorting #CoffeeInnovation #CoffeeBusiness #MaxBoegler #CoffeeRoasterTools #RoasterLife
In this episode of Buy The Drip, we sit down with John Gordon! Barista champion, roaster, engineer, and consultant to talk about his unexpected path from the security industry into the heart of specialty coffee.John shares his early days learning hospitality from the ground up in Melbourne, the pivotal moment that sparked his coffee passion, and how a fear of public speaking led him to barista competitions including multiple appearances on the World Barista Championship stage. We unpack his transformative time at Square Mile Coffee, his philosophy on quality control, and the evolution of coffee technology and culture over the past two decades.John also opens up about:Why finding your niche in coffee is hard—but worth it...The power of collaboration and community in building a meaningful careerHis vision for a creativity-focused coffee spaceThe importance of business acumen in today’s industryAnd how passions like art and engineering fuel his curiosity outside of coffeeWhether you’re behind the bar, in the cupping lab, or running your own coffee business, John brings a refreshing honesty and depth to this conversation.
Join Cole on this episode of Buy The Drip as he chats with Jordan Saglio, the man behind Movement Coffee Roasters. What began as an unexpected adventure living the van life with his wife and daughter — led Jordan into the world of coffee roasting. From building a roastery in Stowe, Vermont, to competing in Panama's Brewers Cup, Jordan shares how his journey unfolded. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building a coffee business, embracing the unexpected, and creating a meaningful connection with coffee.Don’t forget to check out Jordan’s roastery at Movement Coffee Roasters and follow his travels on The Nomadic Movement on YouTube.Subscribe to Buy The Drip for more inspiring coffee stories!#coffee #specialtycoffee #nomadicmovement #coffeeentrepreneur #BrewersCup #panamacoffee #coffeeroasting #podcast
Dave sits down with Cole Torode to unpack the exciting relaunch of Forward Coffee—now based exclusively in Panama. Cole shares the story behind Forward 2.0, a bold new business model built around quality, freshness, and strong producer relationships.We dive deep into:🔹 The decision to focus solely on Panama as a sourcing origin🔹 Why freshly milled coffee is a game-changer for flavor and consistency🔹 How shortening cash flow cycles supports producers and sustainability🔹 The hidden costs buyers often miss—and how Forward is helping reduce them🔹 Cole’s approach to logistics and transparency to save buyers time and money🔹 The challenges and costs of sampling, and why better quality control mattersThis episode is packed with insights into the coffee supply chain, from origin to cup—plus, Cole shares the community’s overwhelmingly positive response to the new model.Whether you're a green buyer, a roaster, or just passionate about specialty coffee, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of what it really takes to build a better, more sustainable sourcing model.Tune in and get a first look at the future of Forward Coffee.📍 Watch now & subscribe! .#BuyTheDrip #ForwardCoffee #ColeTorode #SpecialtyCoffee #CoffeeSourcing #PanamaCoffee #CoffeeIndustry #GreenCoffee #CoffeeInnovation #CoffeeBusiness
Coffee, Innovation & Entrepreneurship w/ Kirk Pearson ☕In this episode of Buy The Drip, we sit down with Kirk Pearson, founder of Project Zero Coffee, to talk about his journey in coffee—from washing dishes at a café to building a brand focused on quality, sustainability, and innovation.We dive into:The role of milk and alternative milk in specialty coffeeThe challenges of sustainability in dairy and plant-based optionsHow COVID-19 impacted his business—and how he bounced backKirk's vision for instant coffee, media in coffee, and the future of the industryThe power of community and coffee culture in driving changeBut beyond the coffee talk, this episode is a heartfelt story of following Kirk's dream of opening a coffee shop. Kirk’s passion for great coffee and meaningful connections led him to create Project Zero Coffee, a space dedicated to quality, innovation, and community.Plus, Kirk shares some big updates on the It's Just Coffee podcast and breaks some news about its future.🔥 Hit play and tune in now!📍 Watch now & subscribe!#BuyTheDrip #CoffeeIndustry #SpecialtyCoffee #Entrepreneurship #CoffeeInnovation #ProjectZeroCoffee #CoffeeCulture
What does it take to leave a stable career in finance to chase a passion for coffee?In this episode ofBuy The Drip, hostsCole and Dave sit down withJay Kim, founder ofUFO Drippers, to unpack his bold transition into the specialty coffee world.Jay shares how his love for coffee grew through personal tasting sessions and a desire to connect with others. He takes us behind the scenes of launchingUFO Drippers, revealing the challenges of manufacturing, developing specialized filters, and navigating the highs and lows of starting a coffee business.Beyond the technical side, this conversation dives intothe power of personal branding, education, and hospitality in coffee—proving that great coffee is more than just a drink, it’s about creating meaningful experiences.Don’t miss this deep dive into coffee entrepreneurship!
What does 2025 have in store for the coffee industry?In this episode, Dave shares his bold predictions for the future of specialty coffee while Cole offers his perspective and insights.From the rise of grab-and-go coffee shops to the transformative role of AI in quality control, Dave outlines his vision for the year ahead. Will home brewing become the new norm? Will coffee blends reclaim their place in the spotlight? And how will hybrid coffee shops reshape the way we experience coffee? These are just a few of the questions they dive into.Dave’s predictions for 2025 include:Green coffee prices are expected to decline due to better growing conditions and economic factors.AI will revolutionize coffee quality control, optimizing processes and reducing waste.Grab-and-go coffee shops will dominate, focusing on speed and convenience.Home brewing will continue its rise, fueled by influencers and affordable high-quality equipment.Coffee blends are making a comeback, both on cafe menus and in competitions.Hybrid coffee shops will evolve into multifunctional spaces for work, connection, and creativity.Inclusivity in coffee competitions will expand, opening doors for more diverse participation.Way more Buy The Drip content to be created!Are Dave’s predictions grounded in reality or overly ambitious? Tune in to find out and decide for yourself!💌 Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLYGet our personal coffee insights, brewing tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox every week: https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribe☕ ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. We roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try our world-class coffees: www.rossocoffeeroasters.com🎓 COACHING & CONSULTINGElevate your coffee game or business with personalized coaching and consulting: www.buythedrip.coffee🎙️ Listen to the PODCASTCoffee and business insights:Apple | Spotify📺 Subscribe on YOUTUBECatch all our videos: @buythedrip.coffee📸 Follow us on INSTAGRAMStay updated with the latest: www.instagram.com/buythedrip.coffeeFollow Dave: www.instagram.com/crosbyandcoffeeFollow Cole: www.instagram.com/torodeo
What does 2025 have in store for the coffee industry? In this episode, Cole shares his bold predictions for the future of specialty coffee while Dave offers a dose of skepticism. Known for relying on intuition over hard facts, Cole’s forecasts spark curiosity (and some good-natured teasing) as they explore what might be next for coffee.From the rise of decaf to Canada’s shot at a World Coffee Championship title, Cole outlines his vision for the year ahead. Will Cezve brewing finally have its moment? Will cozy, community-focused cafes make a comeback? And how will sustainability, education, and authenticity shape the industry? These are just a few of the questions they dive into.Cole’s predictions for 2025 include:1. Decaf coffee continues gaining traction and appreciation.2. Innovations in packaging improve shelf life and sustainability.3. See Above??4. Canada has a real shot at a World Coffee Championship.5. Cezve brewing steps into the spotlight.6. Cafes shift toward cozy, community-focused designs.7. Signature beverages become central to cafe menus.8. Baristas focus on coffees that authentically represent them.9. Geisha coffee becomes more mainstream, with engineered coffees used as educational tools.Are Cole’s predictions visionary or overly optimistic? Tune in to find out and decide for yourself!
Join us as we reflect on an unforgettable year in the coffee industry. In this episode, Dave and Cole dive into 2024’s biggest coffee industry moments, packed with insights, predictions, and plenty of laughs. We also share highlights from our journey coaching world-class baristas at the World Barista Championship, the release of The Flower Story documentary, and exciting milestones for Buy The Drip, including our growing podcast and YouTube channel.Topics covered include:Coffee prices reaching record highs: What it means for producers, roasters, and consumers.The European Union’s deforestation regulation (EUDR) and its impact on the coffee supply chain.The staying power of alternative milks in specialty coffee.Innovations in coffee processing methods and their influence on the industry.Behind-the-scenes insights into coaching barista champions and creating a coffee documentary.
Listen to Paul Ross, founder of Special Guests Coffee in London, as he shares how he’s transforming competition-level coffees into something everyone can experience—all while staying grounded in hospitality and community.Paul takes us through:-His journey from university student to café owner.-The art and logistics of managing a menu with 16 unique coffees.-The philosophy behind building a café that celebrates both baristas and customers.-Coaching world-class coffee competitors and why it matters to the industry.-Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship, travel, and life.Paul’s approach to coffee is refreshing and authentic, blending big ideas with a commitment to human connection.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us as we continue exploring the people and ideas shaping the coffee industry.📍 Follow Paul Ross and Special Guests Coffee:Instagram: Special Guests CoffeeInstagram: Paul Ross#BuyTheDrip #SpecialtyCoffee #CoffeePodcast #CoffeeCulture #InspiringStories #Hospitality
In this milestone episode of Buy the Drip, we’re celebrating reaching 5,000 YouTube subscribers! Join us as we dive into an engaging Q&A session, where we answer questions from our amazing audience.We discuss everything from our journey as brothers and the story behind the podcast name, to our personal coffee preferences and future plans for Rosso Coffee Roasters. Along the way, we share light-hearted moments with fun "would you rather" questions and reflect on our favorite travel experiences.This episode also delves deep into the coffee industry, touching on topics like authenticity in product labeling, the evolution of coffee competitions, and the importance of transparency in coffee sourcing. We explore how automation is shaping the coffee trade, the role of coaching for baristas, and the need for community support to drive the industry forward.We want to take a moment to thank all of you for being part of this journey and helping us build Buy the Drip into what it is today. Your support, engagement, and passion for coffee fuel us to keep growing and creating meaningful content.
In Episode 34 of Buy The Drip, we’re joined by Tim Williams, Director of the World AeroPress Championship and founder of Fieldwork Coffee in Melbourne, Australia. From his humble beginnings in coffee at a bratwurst stall in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market to managing iconic specialty coffee spaces like Penny University and Intelligentsia Venice, Tim shares a fascinating journey through the coffee industry.We explore: Tim’s early days in Melbourne’s coffee culture and his transition to the UK specialty coffee scene. The rise of the World AeroPress Championship—from a grassroots event in Oslo to a global coffee competition featuring 5,500 competitors across 64 countries. How the AeroPress format stays accessible, fun, and focused purely on coffee quality. The creative side of the competition, including the iconic poster designs and themed events. Fieldwork Coffee’s philosophy of focusing exclusively on washed coffees and staying true to their unique vision amidst a sea of trends.Tim also shares insights into his creative partnership with Grant Gamble, the challenges of balancing operational efficiency with creativity, and what’s next for both the World AeroPress Championship and Fieldwork Coffee.
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.In this episode, Miki unpacks the deeper messages behind his award-winning presentation, revealing how mindfulness and directive affirmations have been critical to his success. He opens up about the challenges of competition, the importance of teamwork, and the transformative lessons he learned about vulnerability and embracing support from others.Gain a rare glimpse into the mindset of a champion as Miki shares his practices for staying grounded, overcoming self-doubt, and maintaining balance amid a hectic schedule. 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.#WorldBaristaChampion #TheFlowerStory #CoffeeCommunity #BuyTheDrip #CoffeePodcast
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 evolution of coffee competitions, the unique process behind Swiss Water’s decaf, and why decaf coffee deserves a spot on the top shelf.Mike also opens up in an incredibly touching moment about his personal health journey and the lessons it’s taught him about resilience, community, and appreciating the little things. TakeawaysThe Value of Decaf Coffee: Mike explains why decaf coffee deserves respect and how it supports coffee farmers and the industry as a whole.The Evolution of Coffee Competitions: From technical rules to scoring changes, Mike gives an inside look into how competitions have shifted over the past two decades.The Importance of Familiarity in Competition: Mike’s advice on using coffee you know well in competitions to manage variables and ensure consistency.Judging as a Growth Experience: Mike highlights how judging offers a unique perspective on coffee, helping judges become better coffee evaluators and even inspiring competitors.Resilience in the Face of Health Challenges: In a deeply personal moment, Mike opens up about his health journey and how it’s reshaped his approach to life, community, and self-care.
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. With insights from years as a competitive barista, Hany explains how colors, shapes, and textures of cups can alter our perception of taste, transforming how we experience every sip.Throughout our conversation, Hany offers valuable insights for those entering the competitive coffee scene, stressing commitment, simplicity, and personal accountability as keys to success. He opens up about his belief in personal responsibility and the importance of focusing on one’s journey in the industry. 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. He also sheds light on how inspiration from other industries influences his designs and shares his work on a sustainable coffee cultivation project in Fiji.Key Takeaways:Design for Taste: Ni Wares cups are crafted to influence the perception of flavors through colors, shapes, and textures.Competitive Influence: Hany’s background as a competitive barista instilled a deep understanding of simplicity, accountability, and connection, values he brings into his designs.Craftsmanship and Collaboration: Working with local artisans, Ni Wares cups are created to enhance the sensory experience, making every cup unique.Inspired by Other Industries: Hany draws from diverse influences to keep his designs innovative and grounded in craftsmanship.Sustainable Vision: With untapped potential in Fiji, Hany emphasizes community involvement as he embarks on sustainable coffee projects.Explore Hany’s dedication to coffee and sensory innovation with Ni Wares, where artistry meets function in every cup.
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.Juan Pablo’s journey from organic to specialty coffee highlights the importance of education, market dynamics, and building long-term relationships with producers. 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. This conversation offers a unique look at the balance between terroir and processing and the role human intervention plays in creating exceptional coffee profiles.Takeaways:Thermal shock and fermentation techniques are vital for developing unique coffee flavors.The Best of Panama controversy highlights tensions between coffee-producing regions.Lojas Coffee transitioned from organic to specialty coffee.Microlots ensure better pricing for producers and focus on quality.Market fluctuations impact certified and regional coffee sales.Championship farms are gaining recognition in coffee competitions.Education and innovation are key to understanding and improving coffee quality.Infused coffees raise debates on coffee complexity and processing standards.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the world of specialty coffee!
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.Support the Pod:Join a Global audience at BUY THE DRIP WEEKLY: https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribeROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS: Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you.Listen to the PODCAST: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vnytSW...Subscribe on YOUTUBE: / @buythedrip.coffeeFollow us on INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/buythedrip.coffeeRead our EMAIL NEWSLETTER: buythedrip.beehiiv.com/