Part 2: Cafe Imports Source "Where Do We Go From Here" Panel hosted by Chris Baca - Ep# 457

Cafe Imports Source "Where Do We Go From Here" Panel hosted by Chris Baca - Ep# 456

Jun 29, 202642 minSummary

In this episode of the Cat and Cloud Podcast, host Chris Baca moderates a panel discussion recorded live at the World of Coffee conference in San Diego. The conversation features a diverse group of coffee business owners, including Layla Gumbari of Gilder Coffee, Kali Solak of Cafe Regina, and Jeremy Lyman of Birch Coffee. Together, they dive into the realities of managing cafes and roasteries in an evolving industry, focusing on the operational and leadership strategies necessary to maintain a healthy business. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges of balancing food programs with coffee service, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the logistics of handling annual price increases. A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to organizational culture, with the panelists sharing insights on hiring for personality over experience, managing labor costs, and the importance of fostering a supportive, high-morale work environment. By prioritizing both fiscal responsibility and team wellbeing, the guests offer practical wisdom for navigating the day-to-day complexities of modern coffee operations while staying focused on long-term growth and sustainability.

Ping Pong Q&A with Cat & Cloud Owners, Chris Baca and Jared Truby - Ep# 455

Jun 22, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of the Cat & Cloud Podcast, hosts Chris Baca and Jared Truby, joined by Casey, engage in a lighthearted yet insightful Ping Pong Q&A session. Using the format of trading questions back and forth, the trio explores the parallels between competitive sports and professional life. Both Chris and Jared draw on their personal experiences in basketball and skateboarding to discuss themes of teamwork, individual accountability, and the importance of maintaining a growth mindset. They reflect on how the dynamics of a pick-up game—such as communication, role distribution, and fostering a positive team culture—are directly transferable to managing a successful business. The conversation eventually transitions into a broader, thought-provoking discussion regarding the state of the specialty coffee industry. The hosts examine whether the industry suffers from a scarcity mindset, debating how market saturation, evolving business models, and the shift toward home-brewing are changing the landscape. By questioning traditional industry norms and highlighting innovative approaches, they encourage listeners to rethink how they approach their professional goals, emphasizing that success often depends on one's willingness to put in the work and choose a path of continuous evolution.

From Soil to Service Part 6: Interview with Cat & Cloud Head of Retail, Herman Madrigal - Ep# 454

Jun 15, 20261h 5mSummary

In this final installment of the From Soil to Service series, the hosts sit down with Herman Madrigal, the Head of Retail at Cat & Cloud, to discuss his journey from a temporary barista to a key leadership figure. Herman reflects on his transition from a background in high-stakes sales and culinary studies to embracing the company’s unique approach to hospitality. He shares his evolution as a leader, specifically detailing the struggle of shifting from the hands-on satisfaction of serving customers to the more complex, analytical work of building systems and supporting teams. The discussion highlights the philosophy that well-designed systems are not meant to constrain, but rather to liberate employees to focus on what truly matters: making genuine connections. Herman and the hosts explore how seemingly minor details, such as the placement of a coffee cup, act as signals of care and intent to the guest. Ultimately, the episode underscores that leadership is about coaching others to recognize how their daily work—when performed with intentionality and excellence—creates a positive ripple effect that reaches from the local café experience to the global coffee community.

From Soil to Service Part 5: Interview with Cat & Cloud Head of Wholesale and Partner Program, Marc Gessler (contd) - Ep# 453

Jun 8, 202628 minSummary

In this installment of the From Soil to Service series, the hosts continue their conversation with Marc Gessler, the head of the wholesale and partner program at Cat & Cloud. The discussion centers on the philosophy of hospitality, moving beyond rigid standard operating procedures to focus on the spirit of guest service. Rather than relying on strict playbooks, the team emphasizes core promises that empower staff to handle any situation with empathy, creativity, and a genuine desire to make the guest experience memorable. The episode highlights how building authentic relationships and maintaining a culture of joy are essential to business success. Marc explains how the wholesale program prioritizes finding partners who share a similar commitment to intentionality and high-quality service. They also touch on the importance of active listening and being a good hang, noting that professional growth is most sustainable when rooted in work that one truly enjoys. By treating every partner with care, regardless of size, the team maintains a mission-driven approach to business, ensuring that coffee remains a conduit for connection and positive guest experiences.

From Soil to Service Part 4: Interview with Cat & Cloud Head of Wholesale and Partner Program, Marc Gessler - Ep# 452

Jun 1, 202648 minSummary

In this installment of the From Soil to Service series, the hosts sit down with Marc Gessler, the long-standing partner and wholesale director at Cat and Cloud. Celebrating nine years with the company, Marc reflects on his journey from a dedicated barista to leading the wholesale and partner program. He shares his passion for finding beauty in small details, a mindset he applies both to his personal hobbies and his approach to coffee service. The conversation highlights Marc’s history with the brand, including his intentional pursuit of a position at the company after discovering their culture while he was a college student. He discusses the transition from working on the cafe floor to managing wholesale accounts, emphasizing the importance of building systems that prioritize hospitality and barista culture. Marc explains how the partner program evolved through trial and error, allowing the team to offer tailored support to businesses of all sizes. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the value of flexibility, hands-on learning, and the continuous evolution required to foster meaningful connections within the coffee community.