Barista Magazine

OCT-NOV 2012

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star, "good luck!" Thinking of those moments as a previous performer right before taking the stage, it seemed like a very personal few seconds that I was able to share with each barista, often reminding them to take a deep breath. BMag: What have you seen change in the philosophy of specialty coffee over the last decade, especially in terms of, though not limited to, competitions? MB: It seems to me that the barista community clearly heard the calling from previous generations of coffee professional saying, "OK, show us you can take this seriously." The tone and approach has certainly matured into a platform that focuses on a mutual respect for the customers that we serve, the product we deliver, and the people we work alongside. Of course we see people further along in that development, but I'm hopeful that the values of the community are focused in the right direction. BMag: One of the biggest developments under your watch at the SCAA was the introduction of Camp Pull-A-Shot. Can you tell us why that was so important to you? MB: My work on Camp was really quite rewarding. It was largely understood that we needed to create new entry points for baristas to further develop their coffee knowledge and create more inclusive settings for the community to grow beyond the competition environment. It was also equally important to produce an event that was affordable to the community we serve, as well as one that would provide sustainable value to sponsors that choose to support it. With that framework in mind, we found a venue, enhanced the curriculum, planned for fun and fellowship, and made many phone calls to encourage baristas to come. We learned so much that first year, and the BGA leadership continues to develop Camp to exceed the expectations of the community and attendees. And, of course, the Dirty Dancing venue for East Coast Camp was a bit of a swan song for me. I only hope I can make it to Camp this fall! BMag: So tell us about the big move to Kaldi's! How did this come about? And what are you doing for them? MB: Although I had a wonderful opportunity at the SCAA to work with amazing coffee professionals, I wasn't really working in coffee anymore, more specifically in a retail café environment. I believe that it is important that the SCAA, in certain parts of its operations, sees a continual refresh of ideas, inspiration and perspective coming from its internal staff. More importantly, I was tremendously eager to spend more time at home with my husband, Tony, and our brood of dogs. As I made the decision to look for a new team to latch to my wagon, it was equally important to align myself with a company that shared similar values and had driven leadership and a firm respect for the customers and guests they served. While I was very fortunate to have conversations with several remarkable coffee companies, on every level Kaldi's felt like the perfect fit. Their support and clarity in defining what success means motivates me to no end. I was brought on board to primarily work with a wonderful team of folks at LattéLand in Kansas City, Mo. as we continue to support them in development of their overall café operations. BMag: So how have you and your family settled into St. Louis? MB: I won't lie—it was pretty difficult to leave Chicago. But St. Louis offers us something so different than what we've grown accustomed to. We recently bought a home, and the dogs finally have a yard to play in. It's the simple things that make it feel so much like home, sitting on your front porch waving to neighbors several houses down. BMag: Outside of coffee, you've also devoted a lot of time, energy and compassion into being a foster parent for dogs. Why is that important to you? MB: Foster parents, regardless of human or pet, are some of the most committed people in the world. We started fostering dogs after we adopted our little Sheeba through Northern Illinois Pug Rescue. They simply called us up after our adoption and said they thought we would be wonderful foster parents. The hardest part is always letting go, although it gets easier as our process entails doing home visits with some of the amazing families they are being welcomed into. BMag: You've worked in all kinds of capacities in the specialty coffee industry. Why are you drawn to this industry? What makes it special to you? MB: Most definitely the people, both customers and their counterparts. Working with people and learning from them inspires me every day. I've been so lucky to be received so warmly by our community, and I feel it's incredibly important that I extend that embrace as often as possible. BMag: Any idea where your next stop on the coffee industry express might be? Any plans for your own café or anything? MB: Let's just say that Kaldi's truly feels like home. I don't foresee myself going anywhere in the future, unless Hillary Clinton needs some campaign advice. I always have lots of hopes and dreams, especially after a bottle of wine at home on a Friday night. Right now reconnecting with family and friends is at the top of my list. The rest I'll just take one day at a time. www.baristamagazine.com 67

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