Nicole Bolea & Zach Whitney, Coffeewomple

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Guests: Nicole Bolea & Zach Whitney, Co-Founders of Coffeewomple
Based: Minneapolis, MN
Online: https://www.coffeewomple.com • @coffeewompleroastery • Facebook
What they drink: Pourovers!
Listen/Watch on: Spotify • YouTube

The name Coffeewomple is a play on coddiewomple—a slang Welsh term that means to travel purposefully to an unknown destination. It sounds casual, but it is a reasonably accurate description of how we are all physically, mentally, and emotionally flouncing around through life.

I’m not sure we were all so acutely aware of it until recently, but everything beyond this moment is unknown. From an outsider’s perspective, Nicole and Zach meet each moment with 100% commitment. Full-time careers certainly haven’t dampened their enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, adventuring, and taking on new challenges.

If anything, action is begetting more action. Coddiewompling led Zach and Nicole to Coffeewomple, a business that reflects their values and passion for coffee. It is a business that enables them to create new avenues to bring environmentally sustainable processes to the forefront of an industry.

A FEW TAKEAWAYS FROM THE POD

I first learned about Coffeewomple from this article in Daily Coffee News.
Cold weather is easier to manage with a hot cup of coffee.
They both have full-time careers outside of coffee. Zach is an engineer working in electrical and mechanical design. Nicole is a chemical engineer working on manufacturing water supply systems for cities. Coffeewomple is their 5:00-9:00 PM.
The further Zach got in his roasting coffee hobby, the more they realized it was pretty tasty, even compared to other coffees they were trying in the market.
They are driven by a passion for developing environmentally sustainable entrepreneurial systems. The challenges are numerous, but because they have other careers, they’re able to make decisions with Coffeewomple more weighted to their ethos than their bottom line. Of course, the bottom line matters, too. The couple is working to expand operational revenue in wholesale, white labeling, and events.
Working together is a work in progress. Theirs is a true partnership, but with a natural division of labor that meets their strengths. They divide and conquer the tasks to meet their goals.
Bringing coffee along during their travels enables them to engage with other creators despite language barriers. Coffee offers a foundational community and place of understanding.
Climate change is causing our weather to be upside down. Snow in Florida but not in Minnesota?
The Giesen. Photo credit: @coffeewompleroastery
Chuck Patton reached out to the Coffeewomple’rs after learning that they were the first Giesen electric roaster owners in the U.S. because he was the first Giesen owner!
Chuck Patton, Chuck's Roast Coffee & Consultancy
Guest: Chuck Patton
Roast! West CoastRyan Woldt

CHECK IT OUT

The Women’s Environmental Network (Minnesota) is an organization Nicole supports that offers mentorship and leadership networking that empowers women across various industries. Learn more at:https://www.wenmn.org/.
Rally car racing through the woods isn’t often associated with ham radio operation, but it is where it sparked Zach’s interest. It has led to his involvement in tracking weather in the Minneapolis region. The National Weather Service (NOAA) runs Skywarn, a group of trained severe weather spotters that report directly to the National Weather Service. Learn more at: https://www.weather.gov/pbz/hamradio.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

FROM THE SHOW

The topic of saunas came up during the pod. It’s the Nordic pastime that is sweeping America. It has always been popular in Northern Minnesota, but sauna is all over the social media feeds. The other day, I saw a sauna trailer at Carlsbad State Beach. You could pop in for a session and then jump in the ocean. A cup of coffee,* a sauna, and a cold plunge make for a lovely morning.

A collage of a wood sauna set up on a sunny day near a lake and among the pine trees. — Ben drinking coffee on a recent sauna build/installation. Photos courtesy of Prairiewood Saunas (WI).

My cousin, Ben Gruetzmacher, is a custom sauna builder. I’ve visited his workshop, which is impressive yet comforting. It smells of wood shavings and creation. He builds to order, either on location or in his workshop in Wisconsin. He’s delivered new builds around the country.

Check out his work at https://www.prairiewoodsaunas.com or on Instagram @prairiewoodsaunas. If you’re in the market for a sauna, hit him up.

*Sub in a whiskey, and you’ve got a pleasant evening!

Dang! Those are some good looking packages. I’m partial to the one on the top left corner myself. Click to read the article about current packaging design trends.

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