NZBG member Lawry has a background of competing and of being lead volunteer at the NZ Barista Championship, he also took of a NZSCA Events committee role this year, find out more…
What is your earliest coffee related experience?
~ Probably making plunger coffee for my Dad.
When / why did you first get working in coffee?
~ err around 2003 when I was promoted from after school dishwasher to a front of house role. At this point working with coffee was just a way to earn some spare cash whilst at College.
What led you to becoming a barista?
~ a taste for coffee and it looked like fun slamming away on an espresso machine.
What is the best part of your job?
~Sharing knowledge and training a new person that is super keen to learn and who genuinely interested in coffee themselves.
Talk us through a typical work day
~ as an account manager, no day is very typical. But I always arrive and gravitate toward the espresso machine to get the day started. I tend to be doing anything from barista training, to visiting accounts, basic service work, keeping social media and our website updated, seeking new customers or just covering lunch breaks downstairs in the café.
What are your roles outside of making coffee?
~ lots really. But I do miss working the espresso machine on a daily basis. When I get the chance to have a day on the machine I revel in it and love getting back to my roots.
What is your favourite brew method and/or coffee origin and why?
~ Single espresso using well designed espresso blend. Simple and beautiful, what more could I want.
Tulip or rosetta?
~ rosetta
What would be your dream ‘coffee experience’?
~ one day go to origin and learn / experience that side of the coffee industry. Also the opportunity to have a stint working anywhere abroad would be great. Doing what I do here in NZ but in some crazy corner of the world.
Do you have a ‘coffee crush’ (person you most respect in the business)?
~ Emma Markland Webster. Gave me a opportunity when I was 17 and has taught me loads since. Mucho respecto EMW