Brewing Connections, One Cup at a Time
I’m Michael Harris Conlin — entrepreneur, champion barista, and advocate for sustainable coffee. My purpose is to build meaningful connections: between farmers and families, passion and purpose, innovation and tradition — all to inspire dreamers and strengthen communities.
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Who I am
What most people know about me is that I am a social entrepreneur, national barista champion, a disruptor in the coffee industry, and a perpetual learner by trade - and that my passion for the art of preparing a great cup of coffee knows no bounds. I realized that at the core of my expertise is a calling, a dream of making local coffee farming more sustainable. From then on, I made sure that all my endeavors are done...
for the love of coffee & towards a beautiful coffee future.
As we step into this milestone year, the coffee industry faces one of its most pressing challenges yet: rising costs. Yet, the increase in green coffee prices is long overdue. Farmers—the backbone of our industry—have shouldered rising production expenses for far too long without fair compensation. This adjustment reflects not only the value of their hard work but the reality of producing coffee sustainably.
To realign the coffee value chain, we must accept that prices will continue to rise. Consumers should prepare to pay more for high-quality coffee, appreciating it as an artisanal product rather than a commodity. Roasters, producers, and cafés must recognize the expertise and effort involved and adjust their pricing accordingly. Transparent communication is key to fostering understanding and trust, ensuring that every cup of coffee reflects its true worth.