EST. 2015 • COFFEE • PEOPLE • HOSPITALITY
From the first coffee job to becoming a Barista Trainer, this is the story of a career built around coffee, customers, teamwork, and a whole lot of caffeine.
THE HUMAN SIDE
For more than a decade, I've worked in coffee shops and hospitality spaces where the drink is only one part of the experience.
There are the regulars who become familiar faces. The rushes where the whole team has to move as one. The new barista who just needs someone to say, “You've got this.” And the little moments that make someone’s day better.
Over time, I realized the part I enjoy most is not only making the drink—it is helping people, improving the operation, and helping the people around me get better.
LEVEL SELECT
Five chapters. A lot of coffee. Even more people. Each stop added another piece to the person behind the apron.
Barista • 2015–2018
The beginning. Fast mornings, long lines, drive-thru energy, and the first real lessons in customer service. This was where “working in coffee” became a part of my identity.
Barista • 2019–2020
A different coffee culture and another chance to sharpen the craft. The work taught me that there is more than one way to build a great customer experience.
Licensed Barista • 2022–2023
Working inside a hotel added another dimension: coffee became part of a complete guest experience. Hospitality, consistency, and reading the room became just as important as the beverage.
Barista • 2023–PRESENT
Back to Starbucks, this time in a high-volume environment. This chapter has pushed me to become faster, more confident, and more intentional about standards, communication, and supporting the team.
Starbucks • 2026
The next level: helping other baristas learn the craft. Training is not just teaching recipes. It is translating standards into real-world habits, answering questions, building confidence, and showing someone that they belong behind the bar.
PHOTO ARCHIVE / 001
MIXTAPE TRACKLIST
PLAYER STATS
Creating an experience that makes people feel seen—not just served.
Keeping pace, quality, communication, and composure moving together.
Breaking complicated things down, coaching in the moment, and building confidence.
Looking beyond the task in front of me and thinking about standards, people, and the bigger picture.
UNLOCKED / 2026
After years behind the bar, the most meaningful progression is helping someone else become great at the job.
It's never just coffee.
It's people.
— KURT KOENIG