Cat & Cloud Podcast

[Encore] The Seven Steps of Service: How we train hospitality fundamentals

Originally aired January 25, 2025 Some exciting news: as we approach Cat & Cloud's 10 year anniversary, we are gearing up to launch some changes to the Cat & Could Podcast. New segments. Fresh industry voices. Candid insights into all things craft, hospitality, culture and leadership development. While we're heads-down, we're pulling some of our favorite episodes from the archive. This week: The Seven Steps of Service. What are they? What are they for? And why are they so straightforward? Learn why these fundamentals shape how we train hospitality in our cafes, and why leaning into the spirit of a system this simple can transform guest experience. Stay tuned for fresh content Winter 2026. Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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Camp Coffee Shop 2026: Jared's Takeaways

Summer camp but for coffee professionals! Learn about what Jared & Charles were up to this week at Camp Coffee Shop, a brand new retreat hosted by Barista Magazine all about building community in the coffee industry. This was four days of coffee workshops and skill-building sessions, unplugged in nature, with everyone from new business owners to coffee industry veterans. Jared gives us the industry veteran perspective. He covers a summary of the talk he gave, Building a Cafe People Love to Work In, impressions of panels and workshops he attended from other long-time industry friends, and how it compares to the vibes of a larger trade show like SCA's World of Coffee. Learn more about Camp Coffee Shop: https://www.campcoffeeshop.com/ Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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From Tech Industry to Coffee Industry: Meet Misha

This week Chris & Jared get carried away in conversation with a newer member of the Cat & Cloud team. Misha Holtz— who's been ramping up in the marketing team at Cat & Cloud for the last three months— gets pulled onto the mic without warning and grilled about her path from founding software engineer to leading our digital platforms and marketing work. Turns out her Cat & Cloud story started way before her start date. She was a barista at Verve Coffee back in the mid-late 2010s, crossed paths with Cat & Cloud and the founding team on opening day and then consistently throughout the early years, and went on to spend seven-plus years building software remotely in Santa Cruz— espresso in hand every single morning. They talk about what pulled her out of tech, what Cat & Cloud and SCA in San Diego look like through fresh eyes, and the parallels and differences between two industries that attract different crowds for different reasons. A candid conversation about what it actually feels like to take the leap from a career you're great at into one that's been present all along. Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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Interview with Chris Baca: 10 Years of Cat & Cloud, Building a Business Culture, and Keeping Specialty Coffee Accessible

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com Interview with Chris Baca: 10 Years of Cat & Cloud, Building Culture, and Keeping Specialty Coffee Accessible Reflecting on nearing Cat & Cloud’s 10-year milestone, Chris Baca emphasizes valuing day-to-day progress over anniversaries while acknowledging the achievement of surviving a life in small business and growing from a single store with eight team members to four cafes and over 100 staff, plus a brand in good standing. He recalls early DIY demolition at the Portola location and clarifies the timeline: pop-ups began in 2015 and the first store opened September 30, 2016. They discuss sustaining community choice through hospitality, evolving menus, and staples like the breakfast burrito, plus Chris’s YouTube origins as pushback against pretentious specialty coffee. Chris also highlights the messy reality of small business, the importance of key leaders, career risks during growth, and the belief that great people and culture can be developed anywhere. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:27 Ten Year Reflections 05:05 Early Days Portola Build 08:06 Staying Relevant Locally 13:00 Service Culture Over Marketing 17:33 Burrito Staple Stats 18:53 YouTube Coffee Encounters 20:24 Anti Pretension Coffee 22:22 Simplify The Craft 23:06 Teaching Style Strength 24:37 Ten Year Reflection 25:20 Small Business Chaos 27:20 Key People Grit 31:01 Careers Trust Scale 34:57 Verve Expansion Lesson 36:42 Family Responsibility Shift 39:03 Cat And Cloud Future 41:29 Great People Everywhere 43:43 Podcast Sharing Wrap Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: Want Coffee? Want cool schwag?! www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan July 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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What's the Big Idea: Café Ownership Reality Check & Why Coffee Can't Be What It's Not

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com Two Big Ideas: Café Ownership Reality Check & Why Coffee Can't Be What It's Not Episode Summary Chris Baca and Jared Truby dig into Casey's prompt "What's the big idea?" with a pair of hot takes on the state of specialty coffee. Jared argues the classic neighborhood café — unless run by one or two deeply committed owners — is essentially dead in the current economy, sparking a wider conversation about living wages, misplaced expectations, and why intentionality (not luck) separates cafés that scale from those that scrape by. Chris follows with his own take: you can't turn coffee into something it's not, using dialed-in espresso, green buying, and home-barista setups to unpack why understanding a coffee's true potential matters more than chasing a recipe or flavor note that was never really there. CHAPTERS 0:00 — Intro, Burritos & Pastrami Talk 6:12 — What's the Big Idea? 9:45 — Hot Take: The Modern Café Is Dead 15:30 — Living Wages & the Economics of a Small Shop 21:18 — Intentionality, Choices & Building a Business 28:40 — Hot Take #2: You Can't Turn Coffee Into Something It's Not 35:00 — Is the Best Espresso Actually Being Made in Someone’s House? 42:50 — Home Baristas vs. Café Cohorts Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: Buy Our Coffee! www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan July 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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Interview with Rachel Keen, Green Buyer for Counter Culture Coffee - Ep# 458

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ Episode Summary Chris Baca and Jared Truby sit down with Rachel Keen, green coffee buyer at Counter Culture Coffee, about her winding path into the role — from barista in New Zealand to farms in Costa Rica and Colombia, teaching English in Japan, and an educator job that turned into green buying. They cover the real, day-to-day of the job, how global events impact coffee prices, stories about big characters in the coffee industry, and Counter Culture's...culture, volume, hiring philosophy and much more. CHAPTERS 0:53 — Intro and Welcome to Rachel Keen 4:04 — Getting Into Coffee around the World 9:20 — From Barista to Green Buyer 13:50 — Storytime with Coffee Character 28:00 — War in Iran's Impact on Coffee 31:00 — Tasting at 10 & Coffee Conspiracies 36:00 — Becoming a Green Buyer 41:00 — A Day in the Life 57:00 — Shout-Outs & Closing Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: Buy Our Coffee! www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan July 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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Part 2: Cafe Imports Source "Where Do We Go From Here" Panel hosted by Chris Baca - Ep# 457

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ Part 2: Cafe Imports Source "Where Do We Go From Here" Panel hosted by Chris Baca - Ep# 457 Welcome to Part 2 of this live panel discussion hosted by Cafe Imports recorded at the World of Coffee, in San Diego, CA. Cat & Cloud’s own Chris Baca moderates This Source Event as the conversation shifts into new territory. We jump back in with Jeremy Lyman (Birch Coffee) in Brooklyn, Laila Ghambari (Guilder Coffee) in Portland, and Kali Solack (Café Regina) in Puerto Rico as they share how they develop team members, why training extends far beyond coffee skills, and what it means to build a company that creates successful people—not just successful cafes. They also discuss e-commerce, wholesale growth, brand identity, customer connection, and the challenges of standing out in a crowded coffee market today, and finding balance as owners. The episode closes with reflections on entrepreneurship, patience, work-life balance, and the lessons these owners wish they had known when they were just getting started. Whether you're growing a coffee company, managing a team, or building something from scratch, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom from operators who have spent years learning what matters most. Chapters 00:00 Intro/Growing People vs Growing the Company 05:00 Creating Opportunities and Training 09:00 Why Training Is the Best Investment 15:00 The Value of Long-Term Team Development 18:00 E-Commerce, Direct-to-Consumer & Online Growth 22:00 Wholesale Growth & Strategic Partnerships 25:00 Q & A, Presence and Strategy, Brand 33:00 Advice for New Business Owners Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: Coffee and Sweet Merch! www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan July 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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Cafe Imports Source "Where Do We Go From Here" Panel hosted by Chris Baca - Ep# 456

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ Cafe Imports Source "Where Do We Go From Here" Panel hosted by Chris Baca Episode Summary Recorded live at the World of Coffee, in San Diego, CA, Cafe Imports hosts the second SOURCE event, a panel discussion focused on “Where do we go from here?” - where business leaders in coffee tackle issues facing the industry today. Cat & Cloud’s own, Chris Baca moderates a candid conversation with cafe and roasting business owners from across the country. Jeremy Lyman (Birch Coffee) in Brooklyn, Laila Ghambari (Guilder Coffee) in Portland, and Kali Solack (Café Regina) in Puerto Rico share what they're seeing in coffee retail today, from profitability and menu strategy to pricing, staffing, and company culture. In Part 1, the discussion explores whether cafes should expand food programs or focus on doing fewer things exceptionally well, how operators use data to make smarter decisions, and why many business owners deal with rising costs and raising their prices. The panel also dives into employee retention, creating healthy workplaces, and the role culture plays in long-term business success. Whether you're running one cafe or multiple locations, this conversation offers practical lessons from operators actively building businesses in today's coffee landscape. Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Panel Introductions 04:30 What's Changing in Coffee Retail Right Now? 06:30 Food Programs vs Coffee-First Cafes 14:00 Evaluating Real Guest Desires 17:00 Revenue, Labor & Profitability Metrics 20:00 Price Increases 25:30 Measuring Cultural Success 28:15 Keep Your Team Happy 32:15 Finding Benefits your Staff Wants 38:20 Staff and Retention Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: Buy Our Coffee! www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan June 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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Ping Pong Q&A with Cat & Cloud Owners, Chris Baca and Jared Truby - Ep# 455

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ Ping Pong Q&A with Cat & Cloud Owners, Chris Baca and Jared Truby - Ep# 455 Jared, Casey, and Chris try (and mostly fail) to follow the rules of a structured Ping Pong Q&A — but the detours are the good stuff. After a bird interrupts the studio, they dig into how basketball and skateboarding have shaped how they lead and work, touching on confidence, enrollment, team culture, and knowing your role. The conversation builds into a meaty debate about scarcity mindset in specialty coffee and business broadly — whether the industry is thriving or quietly contracting, and what separates brands that endure from ones that just survive. Jared makes a case for why they keep R&D-ing new food items even when the breakfast burrito dominates. It closes with a fun rapid-fire on the best coffee scenes in film history. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Bird in the House & Rules of the Game 05:30 – How Has Your Sport Shaped Your Professional Life? 13:00 – Pickup Ball Culture & Team Dynamics 20:00 – Is There a Scarcity Mindset Problem in Specialty Coffee? 28:00 – The Market for Specialty Coffee Is Bigger Than You Think 35:00 – A Race to the Bottom? 42:00 – What’s the Big Deal…with Food? 48:00 – In-N-Out vs. Cheesecake Factory: The Menu Philosophy Debate 55:00 – Why We Keep Evolving the Food Menu and Culture 58:30 – Favorite Coffee Scene in a Movie Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: Buy Our Coffee! www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan June 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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From Soil to Service Part 6: Interview with Cat & Cloud Head of Retail, Herman Madrigal - Ep# 454

CAT & CLOUD PODCAST Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ From Soil to Service Part 6: Interview with Cat & Cloud Head of Retail, Herman Madrigal - Ep# 454 EPISODE SUMMARY Jared and Chris sit down with Herman Madrigal, Head of Retail and one of Cat & Cloud's longest-tenured team members at eight and a half years. They trace his unlikely path from championship cell phone salesperson to yoga teacher to barista to retail leader, and the specific moments — a TL who knew his order and his name, a cupping at Aptos, a raw conversation with Jared — that locked him in. The conversation goes deep on what it actually takes to build hospitality culture from the inside: why the details matter, how to make team members feel like experts, and the difference between giving people rules and giving people a reason. Herman also shares what he's still figuring out, including how to protect thinking time, empower shift leaders to coach, and whether the Cat & Cloud culture can live outside of Cat & Cloud. He ends with a dream: Mexican street food, intimate counter service, and a line worth waiting in. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Cold Open Mustache Energy 03:30 – Welcome Herman: Eight and a Half Years at Cat & Cloud 08:00 – From Championship Cell Phone Sales to Barista 13:00 – How Herman Fell in Love With Hospitality 18:30 – Getting Tapped for Leadership (And Struggling at First) 25:00 – The Hard Conversation That Changed Everything 31:00 – Learning to Lead Through Systems, Not Doing 38:00 – Why the Details Matter: The Seam of the Cup 45:00 – Concierge Choice and Teaching Coffee With Stories 52:00 – Autonomy, Fear, and Why Owners Clamp Down 58:00 – Thinking Time: The Underrated Leadership Skill 63:00 – Herman's Dream: Mexican Street Food & Taking the Culture Beyond Coffee CAT & CLOUD: Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: Buy Our Coffee! www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan June 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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From Soil to Service Part 5: Interview with Cat & Cloud Head of Wholesale and Partner Program, Marc Gessler (contd) - Ep# 453

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ From Soil to Service Part 5: Interview with Cat & Cloud Head of Wholesale and Partner Program, Marc Gessler (contd)- Ep# 453 In this episode, the team continues the conversation with Marc to explore what great hospitality actually looks like in practice—from cafés to wholesale partnerships. They cover the importance of core promises over rigid SOPs, creating memorable guest experiences, building authentic relationships, and why being a "good hang" is a business advantage. Marc shares insights on partner success, responsiveness, scaling hospitality without losing personal connection, and the role that fun, curiosity, and genuine care play in building lasting relationships. The episode is a reflection on service, culture, leadership, and staying true to the promise of taking care of people. Chapters 00:00 - Hospitality Starts with Intent 03:00 - Core Promises vs. SOPs 06:00 - Making It Right for Guests 09:00 - The Spirit of Great Service 12:00 - Building Strong Wholesale Partnerships 15:00 - Why Being a Good Hang Matters 18:00 - Fun as a Business Strategy 21:00 - Taking Care of People at Every Scale 24:00 - Growth, Leadership, and What's Next 26:30 - Relationships Over Transactions 27:30 - Closing Thoughts with Mark Cat & Cloud: Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: Buy Our Coffee! www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan June 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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From Soil to Service Part 4: Interview with Cat & Cloud Head of Wholesale and Partner Program, Marc Gessler - Ep# 452

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ From Soil to Service Part 4: Interview with Cat & Cloud Head of Wholesale and Partner Program, Marc Gessler - Ep# 452 Chris and Jared sit down to trace Marc’s full arc — from a listener and fan of the Cat & Cloud podcast, to becoming the Partner Program's Wholesale Director. From a six-page job application essay, his powerful first glimpse of a teal coffee bag, and what it actually means for him to take care of the people who take care of your coffee. Marc has been instrumental in the history and success of Cat & Cloud, and shares his knowledge and love of C&C that he takes to cafes, restaurants and businesses around the country. Chapters 0:00 — Intro & welcome 3:30 — Marc's 9-year anniversary gift & nudibranch obsession 8:00 — Marc's coffee origin story 14:00 — The six-page application essay 19:30 — First days at Cat & Cloud 24:00 — Moving into wholesale 29:30 — Mid-roll sponsor 30:30 — What wholesale is really about 38:00 — Listener call-in: Jake from The Perch 41:30 — Mission, values & autonomous decision-making 44:00 — Outro Cat & Cloud: Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: Buy Our Coffee! www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan June 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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From Soil to Service Part 3: Coffee Roasting Field Trip and Interview with Cat & Cloud Roastery Leaders continued - Ep# 451

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ From Soil to Service Part 3: Coffee Roasting Field Trip and Interview with Cat & Cloud Roastery Leaders continued - Ep# 451 Chris Baca continues his interview with the Head of Coffee Roasting at Cat & Cloud, Jonson Henry and Connor Doyle. What starts as an honest look at the operational pressures of running a roastery — labor challenges, unpredictable wholesale orders, the stress of being the last line of defense — opens up into something deeper. We hear about the transition to a new leadership structure, the philosophy of building systems that outlast any one person, and what it means to let go of a military-bred "eat last, sleep last" leadership style in a coffee roastery. Then it’s time for a FIELD TRIP! Chris Baca joins Connor in the Roastery for an actual live roast, and the episode shifts into something genuinely rare — real-time, unscripted coffee science happening right in front of you. Enjoy! Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back & Series Recap 07:00 Building Systems That Outlast You 13:00 The Invisible Work of Leadership 20:00 The Navy Mindset & Letting It Go 26:00The New Team Structure 30:00 Gratitude and Appreciation 34:35 FIELD TRIP - Live Roast Begins 42:00 Airflow, Damper & Rate of Rise 50:00 Always Pursuing Better 57:30 Evaluating the Curve Cat & Cloud: Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: Buy Our Coffee! www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan May 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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From Soil to Service Part 2: Interview with Cat & Cloud Roastery Leaders, Jonson Henry and Connor Doyle - Ep# 450

Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ In Part 2 of the From Soil to Service series, the Cat & Cloud Roastery team pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to roast, organize, and ship tens of thousands of pounds of coffee while still staying connected to craft, quality, and intention. Connor Doyle and Jonson Henry share their very different paths into coffee, the realities of scaling a growing roastery, the science and artistry behind roast profiling, and the challenge of building sustainable systems without losing the soul of the product. The conversation moves from coffee tasting rituals and production workflows to leadership transitions, team culture, and what it means to create coffee experiences for café guests and coffee lovers around the world. This is the First of Two Episodes on Coffee Roasting! Chapters 00:00 — Welcome Back to From Soil to Service 02:15 — From Teaching, Tech, and the Navy Into Coffee 06:00 — Discovering the Roastery Side of Cat & Cloud 09:30 — The Reality of Roasting 30,000 Pounds of Coffee 13:45 — Staying Connected to Craft at Scale 17:30 — Daily Coffee Tastings and Sensory Training 21:00 — Roasting as Science, Intuition, and Adaptation 25:00 — How Weather and Environment Change Coffee 28:15 — QC, Cupping, and Constant Profile Adjustments 31:45 — Co-Ferments, Flavor Philosophy, and Personal Taste 35:00 — The Organized Chaos of the Roastery Workflow 38:15 — Building Systems That Can Actually Scale 41:00 — Leadership Transition: Johnson to Connor 43:00 — Sustainability, Team Culture, and the Future of the Roastery Cat & Cloud: Webstore www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscription Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Instagram www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan May 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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From Soil to Service Part 1: Interview with Cat and Cloud Green Coffee Buyer, Dulce Venancio - Ep# 449

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ From Soil to Service Part 1: Inside the World of Green Coffee - Ep# 449 In this episode of the Cat & Cloud Podcast, Chris Baca and Casey Ryan sit down with Director of Coffee Dulce Venancio to explore the journey of coffee “from soil to service.” Dulce shares how her background in agriculture, her connection to producers in Mexico and Central America, and her growth within Cat & Cloud led her into green coffee buying. The conversation dives into how coffee is sourced, how relationships with producers and importers are built, the realities of the global coffee supply chain, and the intentional work behind selecting coffees that reflect Cat & Cloud’s values. Along the way, they discuss cupping, flavor development, competition culture, mentorship, and the importance of consistency, transparency, and community throughout every step of the coffee process. Chapters 00:00 Soil to Service Series 03:00 What is a Green Buyer 05:02 Origins and Early Trips 06:39 Dulce Backstory and Motivation 08:30 Landing the Green Role 11:21 Imposter Syndrome and Learning 18:17 Money Flow in Coffee Buying 21:13 Mills Exporters Importers Explained 25:36 QC Lab and Flavor Decisions 27:51 Building a Tasting Palate 30:30 Training Your Palate 31:52 Competition Feedback Loops 34:22 Baby Steps Cupping 35:43 Pressure of Green Buying 37:39 When Coffee Gets Rejected 40:22 Direct Trade Versus Importers 42:49 Building the Coffee Menu 46:58 Respect for Producers 50:14 Origin Country Cafe Culture 53:58 Competing and Creative Goals 55:50 Closing and Green Coffee Jingle Cat & Cloud: Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: Buy Our Coffee! www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan May 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

Build a Café - Ep# 448

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ Episode Summary This episode explores what it really takes to build a café from the ground up—starting with a blank slate but bringing hard-earned experience along. The conversation moves from practical decisions like choosing the right neighborhood and building authentic community connections, to deeper reflections on mindset, motivation, and the emotional realities of ownership. Along the way, the hosts break down coffee program philosophy, hiring approaches, and the importance of aligning values with operations. The episode closes with a candid look at the mental load of running a business, offering a grounded perspective on sustainability, self-awareness, and building support systems as things grow. Chapters 00:00 – Climbing and a Shout out to Kiera 04:00 – Starting a Café from Scratch 06:30 – Why Location Matters Most 10:30 – Building Community Before Opening 14:30 – Authenticity vs Over-Marketing 18:00 – Feeling Like You’re Doing Everything at Once 22:00 – Defining Values and Systems 26:00 – Designing the Coffee Program 30:00 – Innovation and Brewing Concepts 33:00 – Choosing the Right Roasting Partner 36:00 – Space, Buildout, and Constraints 40:00 – Hiring for Culture and Fit 44:00 – Motivation and Early Ownership Mindset 47:00 – The Mental Load of Ownership 49:30 – Sustainability and Building Support Systems Cat & Cloud: Instagram www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/. é Webstore www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan May 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

The World of Coffee 2026: Observations, Stories, and Lots of Love for the Community of Coffee - Ep #447

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ The World of Coffee Reflection: Observations, Stories, and Lots of Love for the Community of Coffee - Ep #447 In this episode, Chris, Casey, and Director of Coffee Marc Gessler, recap World of Coffee San Diego 2026: the caffeine overload, the booth shifts, the reunions, the strange travel moments, and the bigger feeling of being part of the global coffee community. What starts with jokes about over-caffeination turns into a thoughtful reflection on why events like this matter—not just for products or trends, but for connection. The crew talks about Cat & Cloud’s place in the larger coffee ecosystem, the rise of home coffee enthusiasts, the continued importance of hospitality, and how meaningful it is to see people from all corners of the industry gather around a shared passion. It’s part event recap, part coffee culture reflection, and part reminder that this industry is really about people. Chapters 00:00 Over-Caffeinated at World of Coffee 04:00 Morning Coffee, Energy, and Showing Up 08:00 First Expo Memories and Changing Goals 13:00 Casey’s First World of Coffee Experience 18:00 Memorable Conversations and Cat & Cloud Connections 23:00 Booth Life, Dialing In, and Serving at Expo 29:00 Hospitality as the Bigger Conversation 34:00 How World of Coffee Has Changed 39:00 Home Coffee Enthusiasts and Prosumer Gear 45:00 Big Trends, Big Setups, and Coffee as a Hobby 50:00 Team Energy, Partners, and Community 55:00 Weird Travel Moments and San Diego Stories Cat & Cloud: Webstore www.catandcloud.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Links – The Truth! Colombia Truji y Angelita Thermal Shock Natural https://catandcloud.com/products/colombia-truji-y-angelita-thermal-shock-natural Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan April 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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Coffee and a Danish Barista Champion, Christopher Hoff - Ep# 446

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ Coffee and a Danish Barista Champion, Christopher Hoff - Ep #446 Summary: In this episode, Jared and Casey sit down with Danish Barista Champion Christopher Hoff, a top-six finisher at the World Barista Championships, to talk about competition, coffee, and the deeper story behind both. Christopher shares how his world routine centered on the coffee variety Wush Wush, a tropical and complex coffee that became a metaphor for his own journey of trying to become something he wasn’t before learning to compete from a more grounded, authentic place. The conversation moves from signature drinks and competition strategy into bigger reflections on storytelling, hospitality, personal growth, and how coffee professionals can invite people into new experiences instead of gatekeeping them. It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging episode about craft, identity, and what it means to share something meaningful through coffee. Cat & Cloud celebrates this relationship to the world community of coffee and our desire to connect with friends from around the globe. Chapters 00:00 Welcoming Christopher Hoff to Cat & Cloud 03:20 What Barista Competition Actually Looks Like 09:10 Breaking Down the Signature Drink 13:00 Wush Wush and the Coffee Behind the Routine 20:00 The Three Principles and the Meaning of the Presentation 26:00 Competition Pressure, Overthinking, and Performing Authentically 32:00 Discovering Coffee Through Cat & Cloud and Coffee Collective 38:00 Denmark vs. California Coffee Culture 42:00 Hospitality, Encouraging Taste, and Bringing People In 45:00 The Community of Coffee Cat & Cloud: Instagram www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Links – The Truth! Colombia Truji y Angelita Thermal Shock Natural https://catandcloud.com/products/colombia-truji-y-angelita-thermal-shock-natural Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan April 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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Taking Care of the Pack with Leah Wolff in HR - Ep #445

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com Taking Care of the Pack w/Leah Wolff in HR - Ep #445 Summary: In this episode, the team sits down with Head of HR Leah Wolff to explore what it really looks like to build people, culture, and leadership inside a growing coffee company. Leah shares her journey from starting as a concierge during the pandemic to stepping into an executive leadership role, offering a candid look at how growth happens through ownership, feedback, and continuous learning. The conversation digs into the difference between traditional HR and a more human, culture-driven approach—covering hiring, training, communication, and the realities of managing a transient workforce. Along the way, they unpack how strong values, intentional onboarding, and honest conversations can shape not just better employees, but better people. Chapters: 00:00 Meet Leah Wolf and Casey Ryan 04:30 Leah’s Journey from Concierge to Head of HR 10:00 Knowing When You’re Ready to Lead 15:30 Feedback, Directness, and Learning to Communicate 21:00 Orientation, Training, and Setting the Tone 27:00 Hiring for Values and Cultural Fit 33:00 The Challenge of Staffing a Cafe Business 39:00 How Cat & Cloud Built Better HR Systems 45:00 Advice for Small Business Owners Hiring Their Team 51:00 Team Chemistry, Standards, and Accountability 57:00 Why Clear Expectations Matter 1:01:30 Gratitudes and Final Thoughts Cat & Cloud: Instagram www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Links – The Truth! Colombia Truji y Angelita Thermal Shock Natural https://catandcloud.com/products/colombia-truji-y-angelita-thermal-shock-natural Jared Truby Interview https://youtu.be/KaTFcHxjumk?si=wlTAbJ7ZCvZleM7B Jared Truby Zine https://www.flipsnack.com/965BBFD6AED/letter-to-young-coffee-owners-issue-with-jared-truby Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan April 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

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What We Think Matters vs. What Actually Matters w/ Chris and Casey - Ep# 444

Cat & Cloud Podcast Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ What We Think Matters vs. What Actually Matters w/ Chris and Casey - Ep# 444 This episode opens with an introduction to Casey Ryan—his background in filmmaking and eventually as an independent school principal, and how he found his way into Cat & Cloud—but quickly shifts into a deeper conversation about hospitality, coffee culture, and business. At the center is the question of what guests actually care about versus what coffee professionals think they care about, leading to a thoughtful breakdown of service, empathy, and meeting people where they are. Chris reflects on the tension between passion and practicality in specialty coffee, how to build excitement without overwhelming people, and why creating a welcoming, human experience ultimately matters more than showcasing expertise. Chapters 00:00 Casey Ryan’s Path from Education to Cat & Cloud 08:00 What Guests Care About vs What We Think They Care About 17:00 Passion vs. Business in Specialty Coffee 22:00 Santa Cruz, Coffee Culture, and Meeting People Where They Are 29:00 Service as Soft Skill, Performance, and Human Connection 29:00 Training, Teaching, Enthusiasm and Not Overloading People 40:00 Coffee Curiosity, Guest Journeys, and No Gatekeeping 47:30 Gratitude for Team Cat & Cloud: Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: Buy Our Coffee! www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Links – Cafe Imports Event at World of Coffee: Moderated by Chris Baca https://www.eventbrite.com/e/source-where-do-we-go-from-here-tickets-1983895046489 The Truth! Colombia Truji y Angelita Thermal Shock Natural https://catandcloud.com/products/colombia-truji-y-angelita-thermal-shock-natural Jared Truby Zine https://www.flipsnack.com/965BBFD6AED/letter-to-young-coffee-owners-issue-with-jared-truby World of Coffee/SCA https://usa.worldofcoffee.org/ Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan April 2026 Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore: www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription: www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners: Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

• Transcript