Articles by The Exchange with Todd Mackey and Mark Inman

Mike, Todd and Mark explore the potential for changing consumer behavior in the coffee industry amidst rising prices and tariffs. Recorded at the Roast Summit in Portland, the discussion delves into how consumers are adapting their coffee purchasing habits, such as buying more coffee on sale, shifting from whole bean to ground coffee, and the impact of tariffs on coffee prices.

Mark and Todd dive into the world of coffee defects, drawing parallels between scary physical defects in green coffee grading and classic horror films. They explore various defects such as full black, sour, and fungus damage, while pairing each with a horror movie, a blend of coffee expertise and a little Halloween fun.

Mark and Todd (and sometimes Mike) talk about Roast Summit in Portland while attending the event, reflecting on the significance of community in the coffee industry. They explore the legacy of coffee guilds, the importance of educational moments at events, and the future of coffee gatherings, emphasizing the need for connection and belonging in the coffee world.

Mark and Todd talk about building a team within the coffee roasting industry. They discuss the importance of having a clear vision and values, the challenges of hiring employees, and the significance of empowering team members. The conversation also touches on the balance between sales and production roles, the structure of small businesses, and the need for a supportive company culture that encourages growth and loyalty among employees.

In this episode, hosts Mark Inman and Todd Mackey talk about selling roasted coffee. They introduce the Four P's framework—Point of View, Presence, Persistence, and Pricing. The discussion emphasizes the importance of focusing on whole bean sales in your own coffeehouse, innovative packaging solutions, building community presence, and understanding pricing strategies to enhance profitability and customer loyalty.

Mark, Todd, Rob and Mike tell the story about how they each got into coffee and then share a few of their favorite coffee memories.

Mark and Todd are contestants in a Coffee Consumption Quiz, a fun and informative game about coffee consumption habits in the United States. They explore various topics including the popularity of different coffee drinks, brewing methods, and regional preferences. 

In this episode of The Ex-Files, podcast from the past, hosts Mark Inman and Todd Mackey talk about customer training for coffee roasters. They discuss the importance of tailoring training programs to different types of clients, the critical role of trainers, and the need for effective communication styles. The conversation also covers the monetization of training programs, the significance of adhering to industry standards, and the challenges of training in various environments.

Mark and Todd delve into the intricacies of quality assurance and quality control in the coffee industry. They discuss the importance of cupping as a tool for evaluating coffee quality, the setup of quality control programs, and the significance of tasting one's own coffee.

Mark ITodd delve into essential coffee terminology, exploring terms like FOB, coffee stripping, buying forward, and more. They aim to demystify industry jargon for newcomers and provide insights into the complexities of coffee trading and logistics.