Cydni Patterson interviews Thurmond Buckelew. Buckelew is the coffee educator and head trainer at Carrboro Coffee Roasters in Carrboro, North Carolina.

Patterson and Buckelew discuss coffee training, leadership, and management. “Being aware of our impact, on our origin partners, our coffee community as a whole, our staff, and our guests should be the center of our training programs and cafe service,” says Patterson. “A staff empowered with skill and knowledge—and innovation is not our enemy. Innovation makes our jobs safer and keeps longevity in our industry.”