Chris Baca from Cat and Cloud Coffee posted a video on his Youtube Channel a few years back on the thought process that went into buying a commercial coffee roaster. We've revisited that video and found the information too valuable not to share with you.  You can watch the video at the bottom of the page. 

Taking the first steps towards achieving any goal can be daunting, if not downright terrifying. In some cases, the fear of failure stops people in their tracks, before their dream can even begin. As specialty coffee roasters, we understand exactly how you feel; we’ve gone through the same exact emotional roller coaster as you! In fact, we bet that every single specialty coffee roasting company had to get over its very own doubts in order to achieve success. One thing you should keep in mind is the simple fact that you’re not alone. In fact, guidance and support is all around you! 

At Purple Door Coffee in Denver, Colorado, the beloved brewed beverage is more than just a caffeine kick; it is a catalyst that helps transform the lives of young people. Purple Door Coffee has helped homeless youth transition from life on the streets to meaningful employment via job training at their coffee shop and—more recently—in their roasting operation. Their name comes from a central belief within their mission; the color purple, they write, is often associated with royalty, but—as a faith-based organization— they believe everyone is royalty, as the true king lives inside us all, and we thus possess innate value worthy of opportunity, love, and kindness. His door is always open. Hence, the name Purple Door Coffee.  

Art is not a stagnant entity. It’s always growing and improving, and is unique from individual to individual. Coffee roasting, similarly to sculpting or writing, is an art, every roastmaster possessing his or her own way of determining what makes a perfect roast. Much like a painter determines their own best stroke. Still, no matter your beliefs, methodology, or skill level, a roastmaster can always benefit from a high-quality coffee roasting education. The San Franciscan Roaster Company has partnered with Bald Guy Brewing to create an educational institute for roastmasters both new and experienced. The Coffee Roasting Institute was founded with the goal of providing a thorough coffee roasting education so that new roastmasters can learn the techniques needed to master their art and so experienced roastmasters can sharpen their skills and expand their horizons in coffee roasting.