There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning a dream into reality. For me, that dream was starting my own coffee roasting business, Trailhead Coffee. It was a dream I had carried for many years, but it took courage to finally take the leap and start this new adventure. After 16 years at Intuit, where I traveled the world and visited some of the most amazing cafes and coffee shops, I found myself at a crossroads when I was laid off. While it was a challenging moment, it also became the catalyst I needed to pursue my passion for coffee.
Like any journey, it began with a single step—or in my case, a flight to Minneapolis to attend Coffee Roasting 101 at Mill City Roasters.
This course wasn’t just an introduction to coffee roasting; it was a transformative experience that reshaped my entire approach to starting a coffee business. Led by the incredibly knowledgeable and passionate instructors, Lauren and Bryant, the course was a deep dive into the art and science of roasting coffee. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Day 1: Learning the Basics and Exploring Roasters
The course kicked off with an overview of the different roasters Mill City offers, from compact 1kg machines to massive 20kg beasts. As someone who had my heart set on starting with a 15kg roaster, this was eye-opening. Lauren and Bryant walked us through the pros and cons of each machine, emphasizing the importance of starting small and scaling up as your business grows.
We also covered the essentials of setting up a coffee roasting facility, from ventilation and permits to workflow optimization. It was a lot to take in, but the Mill City team made it accessible and engaging.
Day 2: Hands-On Roasting
The highlight of the course was getting hands-on with the roasters. We started small, roasting on the 1kg and 2kg machines, learning how to control variables like temperature, airflow, and time. Then, we worked our way up to the larger roasters, including the 20kg machine.
Roasting on different machines gave me a newfound appreciation for the nuances of each one. It also made me realize that starting with a 15kg roaster was overkill for someone just beginning their journey. Lauren and Bryant’s guidance helped me see that starting small would allow me to focus on perfecting my craft without the added pressure of managing a large-scale operation.
Day 3: Cupping and Feedback
No coffee roasting course would be complete without tasting the fruits of our labor. We cupped the coffee we roasted, evaluating its aroma, flavor, and body. Lauren and Bryant provided constructive feedback, helping us understand how to adjust our roasting profiles to achieve the desired results.
This session was invaluable. It reinforced the importance of patience and practice in mastering the art of roasting.
A Shift in Perspective
Before attending the course, I was laser-focused on setting up a full-scale roasting facility with a 15kg roaster. But my time at Mill City changed everything. I realized that starting small would give me the flexibility to learn, experiment, and grow at my own pace.
Building Trailhead Coffee
Since returning from Minneapolis, I’ve been busy building out my own roasting facility in my home and garage. Thanks to the advice and encouragement of the Mill City team, I opted for a 2kg roaster—a perfect size for where I am in my journey.
Every day, I’m learning something new. From dialing in roast profiles to sourcing green beans, the process is challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to say that Trailhead Coffee is no longer just a dream—it’s a reality, and it’s growing one roast at a time.
Gratitude to Mill City Roasters
I can’t thank Lauren, Bryant, and the entire Mill City team enough for their guidance and support. Their expertise and passion for coffee roasting are truly inspiring. If you’re considering a career in coffee roasting or just want to deepen your knowledge, I highly recommend their courses.
What’s Next for Trailhead Coffee?
The journey is just beginning. As I continue to refine my skills and build my brand, I’m excited to share my coffee with the world. Stay tuned for updates, and if you’re ever in the area, stop by for a cup!
Until next time,
Chris
Founder, Trailhead Coffee
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