Meet The Crew - Cary W.

What does your title Director of Coffee mean?
"As the Director of Coffee at Partners, my main responsibilities are the presentation and service of all that Partners has to offer. As an overall palette to Partners Coffee, I help to ensure quality and standards across all departments, with an additional level of oversight and management of the the Partners' Education team."

What does a “normal” workday look like for you?
"I don't think there's ever a normal day in my role - in the best way possible! Generally speaking, I aim to start my day in the coffee lab cupping with Sam, our Green Coffee Buyer. The rest of my day is scattered with odd jobs (like product expansion and development), emails, meetings, and regular visits to each cafe to check in with the managers and to ensure consistency and quality of all coffees being served."

Do you prefer teaching or learning?
"I think if I had to pick one, learning. I believe in the idea that one never stops learning. This industry is changing every day so there's always more to learn and I've enjoyed keeping up with each new idea along the way."

How long have you worked in coffee?
"I've been in coffee for about 8 years!"

Why did you first decide to work in coffee and why have you stayed?
"The moment I tasted my first cup of natural Ethiopian coffee, I knew I wanted to work in this field. I've stayed in the coffee industry because of the incredible community I get to be a part of. The people I've met and worked with have been a constant source of inspiration and support. I never imagined I would become a "Director of Coffee," but the belief and encouragement from my colleagues have been the ultimate confidence boosters, pushing me to continually grow and improve."

What is your favorite part about working in coffee?
"Nothing gives more joy than brewing a coffee with a friend, coworker, or trainee and discussing the story that emerges from that cup."

 

Thanks, Cary!