43. From Square Mile to Global Consultant: John Gordon’s Coffee Journey
In this episode of Buy The Drip, we sit down with John Gordon! Barista champion, roaster, engineer, and consultant to talk about his unexpected path from the security industry into the heart of specialty coffee.John shares his early days learning hospitality from the ground up in Melbourne, the pivotal moment that sparked his coffee passion, and how a fear of public speaking led him to barista competitions including multiple appearances on the World Barista Championship stage. We unpack his transformative time at Square Mile Coffee, his philosophy on quality control, and the evolution of coffee technology and culture over the past two decades.John also opens up about:Why finding your niche in coffee is hard—but worth it...The power of collaboration and community in building a meaningful careerHis vision for a creativity-focused coffee spaceThe importance of business acumen in today’s industryAnd how passions like art and engineering fuel his curiosity outside of coffeeWhether you’re behind the bar, in the cupping lab, or running your own coffee business, John brings a refreshing honesty and depth to this conversation.
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42. Inside Forward 2.0: Cole Torode’s Bold New Coffee Model in Panama
Dave sits down with Cole Torode to unpack the exciting relaunch of Forward Coffee—now based exclusively in Panama. Cole shares the story behind Forward 2.0, a bold new business model built around quality, freshness, and strong producer relationships.We dive deep into:🔹 The decision to focus solely on Panama as a sourcing origin🔹 Why freshly milled coffee is a game-changer for flavor and consistency🔹 How shortening cash flow cycles supports producers and sustainability🔹 The hidden costs buyers often miss—and how Forward is helping reduce them🔹 Cole’s approach to logistics and transparency to save buyers time and money🔹 The challenges and costs of sampling, and why better quality control mattersThis episode is packed with insights into the coffee supply chain, from origin to cup—plus, Cole shares the community’s overwhelmingly positive response to the new model.Whether you're a green buyer, a roaster, or just passionate about specialty coffee, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of what it really takes to build a better, more sustainable sourcing model.Tune in and get a first look at the future of Forward Coffee.📍 Watch now & subscribe! .#BuyTheDrip #ForwardCoffee #ColeTorode #SpecialtyCoffee #CoffeeSourcing #PanamaCoffee #CoffeeIndustry #GreenCoffee #CoffeeInnovation #CoffeeBusiness
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41. From Milkman to Entrepreneur: Kirk Pearson’s Journey with Project Zero Coffee
Coffee, Innovation & Entrepreneurship w/ Kirk Pearson ☕In this episode of Buy The Drip, we sit down with Kirk Pearson, founder of Project Zero Coffee, to talk about his journey in coffee—from washing dishes at a café to building a brand focused on quality, sustainability, and innovation.We dive into:The role of milk and alternative milk in specialty coffeeThe challenges of sustainability in dairy and plant-based optionsHow COVID-19 impacted his business—and how he bounced backKirk's vision for instant coffee, media in coffee, and the future of the industryThe power of community and coffee culture in driving changeBut beyond the coffee talk, this episode is a heartfelt story of following Kirk's dream of opening a coffee shop. Kirk’s passion for great coffee and meaningful connections led him to create Project Zero Coffee, a space dedicated to quality, innovation, and community.Plus, Kirk shares some big updates on the It's Just Coffee podcast and breaks some news about its future.🔥 Hit play and tune in now!📍 Watch now & subscribe!#BuyTheDrip #CoffeeIndustry #SpecialtyCoffee #Entrepreneurship #CoffeeInnovation #ProjectZeroCoffee #CoffeeCulture
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40. Spotted! Unidentified Flying Object ☕ #AllFilter with Jay Kim
What does it take to leave a stable career in finance to chase a passion for coffee?In this episode ofBuy The Drip, hostsCole and Dave sit down withJay Kim, founder ofUFO Drippers, to unpack his bold transition into the specialty coffee world.Jay shares how his love for coffee grew through personal tasting sessions and a desire to connect with others. He takes us behind the scenes of launchingUFO Drippers, revealing the challenges of manufacturing, developing specialized filters, and navigating the highs and lows of starting a coffee business.Beyond the technical side, this conversation dives intothe power of personal branding, education, and hospitality in coffee—proving that great coffee is more than just a drink, it’s about creating meaningful experiences.Don’t miss this deep dive into coffee entrepreneurship!
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39. Dave’s Bold Coffee Predictions for 2025 – Number 8 Will Make You Smile!
What does 2025 have in store for the coffee industry?
In this episode, Dave shares his bold predictions for the future of specialty coffee while Cole offers his perspective and insights.
From the rise of grab-and-go coffee shops to the transformative role of AI in quality control, Dave outlines his vision for the year ahead. Will home brewing become the new norm? Will coffee blends reclaim their place in the spotlight? And how will hybrid coffee shops reshape the way we experience coffee? These are just a few of the questions they dive into.
Dave’s predictions for 2025 include:
Green coffee prices are expected to decline due to better growing conditions and economic factors.
AI will revolutionize coffee quality control, optimizing processes and reducing waste.
Grab-and-go coffee shops will dominate, focusing on speed and convenience.
Home brewing will continue its rise, fueled by influencers and affordable high-quality equipment.
Coffee blends are making a comeback, both on cafe menus and in competitions.
Hybrid coffee shops will evolve into multifunctional spaces for work, connection, and creativity.
Inclusivity in coffee competitions will expand, opening doors for more diverse participation.
Way more Buy The Drip content to be created!
Are Dave’s predictions grounded in reality or overly ambitious? Tune in to find out and decide for yourself!
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Hosted by brothers Dave (Founder of Rosso Coffee Roasters) and Cole (2x Canadian Barista Champion, 3rd in the World), Buy the Drip takes you into the heart of the coffee world. From the latest industry news to inspiring stories and expert insights, each episode serves a rich blend of knowledge and passion. With experience training the last two World Barista Champions, Dave and Cole are your go-to experts for both the craft and business of coffee.
Whether you’re a coffee lover, barista, entrepreneur, or dreamer, this podcast offers something special for you.
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