Brewing Connections, One Cup at a Time
I’m Michael Harris Conlin — entrepreneur, champion barista, and advocate for A Beautiful Coffee Future.
I believe coffee is more than a beverage—it is a way to connect people, inspire hope, and create lasting change. My mission is to bring farmers, coffee professionals, and coffee lovers together to build thriving communities and a world with lasting coffee and food security.
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Who I am
Most people know me as a social entrepreneur, national barista champion, coffee innovator, and lifelong learner whose passion for crafting exceptional coffee knows no bounds.
But beyond the competitions, innovations, and businesses, I discovered a deeper calling: to help build a more sustainable future for coffee and the people whose lives it touches. That calling has guided every step of my journey—from working alongside coffee farmers and mentoring the next generation of coffee professionals to creating new ideas that push our industry forward.
Today, every endeavor I pursue is driven by one purpose:
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.