The Knockbox: Navigating Career Growth in the Coffee Industry
This article was originally published in Barista Magazine Aug/Sep 2024 Volume 20 Issue 3
In April of this year, I achieved a long-held dream by becoming the proud owner of a coffee business, a goal I've nurtured since my early days as a barista. Owning a coffee shop marks a significant milestone in my career journey, a culmination of the steps I've taken along the way. As I reflect on my path, I'm eager to share insights that may be of support in your pursuit of career goals. I’ll dive into three pivotal areas that have shaped my professional advancement: Networking, Mentorship, and Personal Investments.
Building Connections
Networking stands as the cornerstone of any thriving career, and the coffee industry is no exception. Whether you're mingling at industry events, fostering connections online, or simply engaging fellow coffee enthusiasts in conversation, each interaction presents an opportunity to expand your network and unlock potential prospects.
Heather Kelly, the Founder and CEO of Beverage Business Consulting, started her career as a barista at her mother’s business, Ginger’s Coffee, in 1999. She emphasizes, “Networking is mission-critical for advancing your career because it bolsters your confidence and cultivates relationships. Genuine engagement opens doors to opportunities you might otherwise overlook.”
According to a Linkedin survey, 80% of professionals deem networking crucial for career advancement, with 85% of jobs secured through networking. This statistic underscores the significance of fostering meaningful connections within the industry.
For me, networking has been paramount in my career journey. Remarkably, every role I've assumed beyond being a barista—from educator to cafe ops—was offered to me through connections forged within the industry. By actively participating in the coffee community, you not only expand your knowledge base but also bolster your visibility and credibility.
A Helping Hand on the Path to Success
In the coffee industry, mentorship serves as a priceless resource. Having a guide who has traversed paths similar to yours can offer invaluable guidance and support, significantly shaping your career trajectory.
Research indicates that employees with mentors are more likely to be promoted. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, 75% of executives credit their mentors for aiding in their career accomplishments.
My own journey has been profoundly influenced by the mentors I've been fortunate to have. I'm grateful for Sarah Dooley's guidance as I ventured beyond the role of a barista. She imparted invaluable wisdom on carving out the desired role and negotiating salaries. Similarly, Laura Sommers provided indispensable insights into business ownership during my coffee company acquisition journey.
Mentorship comes in various forms. Much of my knowledge in coffee roasting stems from standing alongside the roaster during my time at Stumptown Coffee Roasters, incessantly asking questions. Mentorship need not be formal; it could be gleaned from anyone you find aspirational, whether a friend, family member, boss, or colleague.
For those seeking formal mentorship, consider these pointers:
Be Prepared: Research your potential mentor's background and experience, and articulate what you hope to gain from the relationship.
Respect their Time: Schedule meetings at their convenience and adhere to agreed-upon timeframes.
I vividly recall a mentorship meeting with Morgan Ekroth in 2014. They arrived prepared, accommodated my schedule, and kept the meeting succinct, respecting my time. It exemplified the essence of effective mentorship, and seeing Morgan's subsequent achievements came as no surprise to me.
Investing in Yourself
In addition to networking and mentorship, personal investments such as training and education are more than worthwhile for career advancement in the coffee industry. Given the industry's dynamic nature, staying ahead of trends requires a commitment to continual learning.
Matt Banbury, Enterprise Account Manager for Odeko, began his career as a barista at Starbucks. He underscores the importance of engagement, stating, "If individuals wish to explore a career in coffee, active participation is paramount. Seize every offered training opportunity, attend industry events, and volunteer at competitions."
Thankfully, a plethora of resources exists for coffee professionals seeking to expand their expertise. From barista certification programs to courses on coffee roasting and brewing. These programs can come with a hefty price tag that many baristas just can’t afford. Here are a few invest ideas that won't break the bank:
Explore online classes, which often are more cost-effective and eliminate travel constraints. Erica Escalente's virtual classes come highly recommended for honing coffee business skills.
Engaging with literature on coffee, hospitality, business, and leadership. Notable reads for me include "Unreasonable Hospitality," "The Business of Specialty Coffee," and "Daring Greatly."
Make every cafe visit a learning opportunity. Take note of equipment, service, bar flow, and offerings at every shop you visit. Order drinks that will help expand your palate like espressos, and pour over while trying our unique seasonal drinks.
Investing in yourself not only enhances your proficiency but also underscores your dedication and work ethic. Whether through workshops, certifications, or books, every self-investment yields long-term dividends.
Patience and Persistence
While networking, mentorship, and personal investments are instrumental in coffee industry career growth, it's imperative to approach the journey with realistic expectations. Success seldom happens overnight; patience and persistence are essential.
Having climbed my way up in the industry, I can attest that success is a marathon, not a sprint. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but it's how you navigate them that defines your trajectory.
Nathael May, whose coffee career began in 2001 as a barista at Cappuccino Cart in Disneyland and now serves as the Sr. Manager of Training and Specialty Coffee at Campblles, speaks to the importance of patience. He shares, "Cultivate patience... sometimes, remaining in a role or establishment for an extended period can bolster your long-term career prospects, as employers value commitment. It requires patience."
I’ll share my own career trajectory to offer perspective. While timelines vary, my journey started with approximately eight years as a barista before transitioning to a salaried training role. Nearly six more years elapsed before attaining a Director-level position with a six-figure salary. This journey spanned close to 15 years in the industry, culminating in business ownership only after nearly two decades.
I didn’t recognize it early on, as I was blind with ambition as a young barista, but time has been my greatest ally. My own personal growth has helped me develop as a people leader. My experience in retail ops has been imperative to the success of my own cafes. Slowly absorbing information and experience has helped me walk into each new role with confidence.
The coffee industry continues to grow, brimming with opportunities for career growth and advancement. By harnessing the power of networking, seeking mentorship, and investing in personal development, your aspirations are just a road map away. Remember to embrace the journey with patience and persistence, the perfect opportunity may be just around the corner.
