Totally Dissolved

Happy End of Summer/Autumn is here!!! Quick update for what is to come in Season 2 of Totally Dissolved. Stay tuned and catch new episodes starting in October!

We get geeky and philosophical about Espresso Machines with the brilliant Tommy Gallagher in our last episode of Totally Dissolved Season 1! Espresso machines can often be intimidating and talking with Tommy we breakdown the ins and outs to help make this tool easier to understand for the Coffee Pro. Tommy Gallagher (he/him) manages product and brand development for Seattle-based espresso machine manufacturer SLAYER. After stumbling into coffee somewhat by accident, Tommy's 15+ year career in Specialty Coffee has spanned award-winning cafes, coffee roasters, equipment manufacturers and more. Since 2020, he has sat on the board of Go Fund Bean, an advocacy organization dedicated to supporting, uplifting and defending the hourly coffee worker.

This week we get to talk about whirs and burrs with Josh Kimbrough of GH Grinding & Brewing Solutions. Grinders are some of the most under-appreciated pieces of equipment in any coffee bar/restaurant/cafe that serves coffee. We discuss the why, how, and what makes them so important and Josh gives us lots of great insight into this overlooked and sometimes misunderstood piece of equipment. Josh is the marketing director and a salesperson for GH Grinding & Brewing Solutions (formerly Mahlkönig USA) out of Durham, NC. You may have seen him around SCA EXPO setting up grinders on the competition stage or volunteering as a station instructor in an SCA classroom. He's passionate about innovative coffee equipment and helping folks consistently make their coffee taste great.

Brewed coffee is a popular staple on many cafe menus that doesn't always get the most attention. This week we are fortunate to pick the brains of the Co-Founders of Ground Control, Eli Solomon, Josh Avins, and Jason Sarley. They are some of the most innovative minds when it comes to thinking about brewing and gives us new perspectives on how to do brewed coffee on another level. Eli is the Co-Founder and CEO, whose knowledge in management, data science and business bring Ground Control to life. Josh is Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, who is responsible for the architecture and development of Ground Control. Jason is Co-Founder and Chief Coffee Officer, leads the design efforts and ensures the coffee quality of the Ground Control System. He is associate editor of Coffee Review and a certified Q-Grader.

We start getting in-depth with equipment and tech knowledge beginning with one of our favorite Coffee Techs, Rebecca Jones. Her insight is not only valuable, but unexpected combining curiosity with patience and empathy.  Rebecca Jones is a coffee tech ☕🔧with SteamVolt in Chicago, IL. She loves people, coffee, and solving puzzles, so fixing espresso machines is the perfect gig. Beyond fixing machines, Rebecca enjoys playing the viola, watching Startrek, and cooking for friends. 🎻🖖🍳

Episode 008 "Career Series: Trish Rothgeb Gives a Lesson on Becoming a Cafe Owner" We are so fortunate to talk with one of Specialty Coffee's greats, Trish Rothgeb. Her experience and breadth of knowledge is extensive and we hope you have as much fun listening as we had chatting with her! Trish Rothgeb (she/her) is the co-founder, roastmaster, and director of coffee at the San Francisco-based Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters! With over 30 years of experience, Trish has held numerous roles in the coffee industry, including her roles on the Roasters Guild Executive Council, as a charter member of the World Barista Championship Board of Directors, and as a founding member of the Barista Guild of America. From 2013-2016, Trish was Director of the Q Program for Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) and continues as a credentialed Q Instructor and a Licensed Q Grader as well as a volunteer for CQI's projects worldwide. In 2019, The James Beard Foundation awarded Trish a fellowship with their Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. She is also credited with coining the term "third wave coffee".

We had a such a great time talking with Dana about her career path to becoming a Broker. Her story is insightful and unique and hope you all are inspired! Dana is a trader at Atlas Coffee Importers and has been with the company since early 2016. She manages the purchasing and origin relationships for 9 countries across Latin America and Asia. Dana first entered the coffee world working as a barista in Missoula, Montana but ultimately went back to school to pursue a Master’s degree in International Conservation and Development, in conjunction with Peace Corps service in El Salvador. Her past coffee jobs include green buyer and roaster at Zoka Coffee, as well as director of commercial sales and quality control at Odyssey Coffees in El Salvador, where she lived for five years.

We're kicking off a series of episodes the next few weeks delving into Coffee Careers. Tony Querio starts off this series with his take on a path toward becoming a Coffee Roaster. His perspectives are full of thoughtful insight and wisdom considering his long, storied career and we hope you all take something valuable from it. Tony has been working in the coffee industry for 15 years with the last 10 focused on roasting. He has run multiple award winning coffee programs and is himself a United States Roasting Championship winner. Tony currently runs his own roasting and consulting business which includes his brands Acorn Coffee Club and Silverbird Roasting Co. Most of his time, outside of work, is spent with his wife and two boys.

Julie Housh, the Knowledge Development Manager at the Specialty Coffee Association, shares her insights from the vibrant SCA Expo 2022. She recounts the buzzing atmosphere, unique finds, and the excitement of reconnecting with industry peers. Topics like sustainable practices, workshop formats, and the joys of coffee tastings dominate the conversation. Julie also emphasizes the importance of self-care and downtime after the frenzy of events, reminding listeners of the value of community and collaboration in the coffee world.

We discuss Customer Service with the inspiring Selina Viguera. Customer service is not always easy. Selina has spent over a decade in retail guiding and teaching Baristas hospitality, all while being kind and having fun (#selinaselfie) Selina works for Blue Bottle Coffee in Venice, CA and has been with the company since 2010. As a Café Leader, she continues to enjoy her work as a barista, but also as a trainer, mentor, and coach. Selina began volunteering with the SCA in 2012 and has managed the SCA BGA Café since 2015. She loves people and coffee.