Mark and Todd explore the motivations behind becoming a coffee roaster and the realities of starting a coffee roasting business. They discuss the skills and mindset required for aspiring roasters, the balance between the art and business of roasting, and the importance of learning the craft through hands-on experience.
The hosts look back at 2025: from prices to tariffs and all the volatility in between, they reluctantly return to some of the difficult days, a bright spot or two, and take a moment to look forward.
From the 2018 archives, hosts Mark Inman and Todd Mackey explore the reasons behind blending, its impact on brand identity, and the balance between marketing and composition.
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.
