My motivation to transition into coffee roasting stems from a combination of personal interest and the desire for a new, fulfilling challenge. After a career in military, community service, nonprofit management, and professional ministry, I sought an engaging activity that would allow me to apply my skills in a different context. The meticulous nature of coffee roasting appeals to me because it requires attention to detail, patience, and an appreciation for the process—qualities that I have cultivated throughout my thirty-eight-year career as an executive.
Furthermore, this transition provides an opportunity for me to connect with people in a new way. Coffee roasting involves storytelling and sharing experiences, much like my previous role in guiding spiritual journeys. This aspect of community engagement and communication resonates with me. It allows me to continue fostering connections while exploring a new passion.
The Azores also provides a unique setting where I could learn about coffee cultivation firsthand. It offers a tangible way to engage with the environment and contribute to the local community. This new venture enables me to combine my love of learning with creating something meaningful and enjoyable.
Ultimately, my transition to retirement in the Azores was driven by a desire for continued personal growth and fulfillment. Embracing this new path allows me to explore my interests in a way that builds on my previous experiences and enables me to continue making a positive impact on those around me. I have found that many of my previous career skills are valuable in my new role as a coffee roaster.
I’ve always been detail-oriented and consistent in my work, qualities that are vital in coffee roasting. Managing complex tasks with precision as an executive taught me how even small differences can change the outcome — a lesson that applies perfectly to roasting, where consistency directly affects quality.
Leading teams and communicating clearly were key parts of my previous roles. Those skills come in handy when overseeing the roasting process and coordinating with others in a roastery, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
I’m no stranger to adapting on the fly and tackling problems head-on. Roasting coffee means adjusting to different beans and conditions, much like how I navigated challenges in my past career.
My experience in ministry involved diving deep into complex ideas, which is surprisingly similar to understanding the technical side of roasting. Keeping an eye on the Rate of Rise and tweaking profiles based on the environment requires that same kind of thoughtful attention.
All these skills combined help me produce great coffee consistently while building a strong, collaborative community atmosphere towards my coffee roasting.
The Contemplative Deacon 