RoR#38 : A Better Way to Think About Roasting Dark, w Erik Johnson of Thinkwell Coffee

RoR#38 : A Better Way to Think About Roasting Dark, w Erik Johnson of Thinkwell Coffee

Author: Chris Deferio September 26, 2025 Duration: 41:32

Roasting excellent coffee should not be relegated to only one finish temp or level of roast. For a significant portion of our history we have favored the lighter and lower temps in specialty coffee. But recently roasters have begun to full embrace more full developed roast profiles in a pursuit of brining that specialty excellence to a wider range of consumer.

Today's guest is all about this way mindset and has a specific way to communicate it to his customers. 

For this month's RoR to talk with Erik Johnson of Thinkwell Coffee! 

Erik Johnson is a founder and the roaster behind thinkwell.coffee. He began as a barista in 2006 and has roasted professionally since 2012, working as head roaster for regional brands. He has worked across the supply chain—from producers to millers, from villages to importers. Now, he runs a production roastery that opens to the public, offering beans (not lattes) for people who value beauty, balance, and brewing at home. He believes that coffee is art, and great coffee is built on harmony: between people, the earth, and the roast itself. 

 

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Running a coffee shop is about so much more than pulling great shots. It's a complex dance of craft, culture, and commerce that demands a unique kind of leadership. That's the space where Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders lives. Hosted by Chris Deferio, this podcast digs into the real, often unspoken challenges faced by owners, managers, and aspiring leaders in the specialty coffee world. Each conversation moves beyond abstract theory to deliver concrete, usable strategies you can apply directly to your operation. You'll hear from a diverse range of voices, including seasoned coffee professionals and insightful experts from other fields, all focused on the practicalities of building a thriving business. Episodes tackle the full spectrum of running a shop, from daily systems and financial health to fostering a positive team environment and developing your own skills as a leader. The aim is to provide a genuine resource for growth, whether you're looking to refine your barista program, improve your shop's profitability, or scale your vision thoughtfully. Tune in for honest discussions that equip you with more than just inspiration-they offer the tangible keys to building a better, more sustainable coffee business. This podcast understands that your passion is for coffee, but your success depends on mastering the craft of leadership.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders
Podcast Episodes
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559: Myths Coffee Shop Owners Believe Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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