Major Cohen's guest appearances

Major Cohen

Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Retail Professionals

Michael Phillips

Scott Anthony Barlow

Pete Mockaitis

Jill Schlesinger

Steve Rhinehart

Laura Gonzalez

Ryan Fisher

Kwame Christian

Dave Stachowiak

Jeff Taylor

Kevin Nealon

Michael Tan

Peter Giuliano

Greg McKeown

Erica Escalante

OwlTail

How we talk about coffee, relay information about coffee, and represent coffee to our customers and consumers in general, not only determines their attitude toward coffee but will literally shape the coffee industry. Often we get bogged down with details, side tracked with minutia, and overwhelm people in our bid to show them how precious coffee is to us. What is needed is a distilled and approachable treatment of the industry the opens up opportunities to more learning. That is what today's guest has accomplished through his new book Coffee for Dummies. I am thrilled to welcome back to the show, Major Cohen! Major Cohen is a coffee lover who has enjoyed a dream realized. After being a teacher of photography and film at the high school level for 20 years, his second career brought his passion for teaching and passion for coffee into alignment and he worked as a coffee educator for more than 25 years for Starbucks. His work for Starbucks began in 1995 when, as a Barista, he leveraged his passion and curiosity for coffee and business and after 8 years in operations in 5 roles was invited to move to the Seattle headquarters and join the coffee team. In the next 17 years he had the opportunity to be part of some of Starbucks most innovative efforts, and during his final 7 years traveled extensively in Asia as a coffee educator and brand ambassador. Although recently retired from Starbucks, Major is continuing his involvement with education in his role as an Authorized Specialty Coffee Association trainer, AST, and has written his first book, Coffee for Dummies. In today's conversation with Major we get to hear the story of how this book came to be, what went into deciding its content and we dive deep into discussion about communicating with consumers about the drink we all love!  We cover:  Connecting past and present day industry Creating impactful and simple content Distilling the topics The danger of making coffee too precious What makes information valuable Opening doors to further learning How we can effectively communicate with customers  Links: Buy the book here!   Wiley   Link to Starbucks video: https://coffeeexperiences.starbucks.com   Related Episodes:  127 : Passion and Curiosity: A conversation w/ Starbucks Global Sr. Project Manager, Major Cohen 242 : A Conversation with James Hoffmann 198 : The Evolution of the Coffee Shop w/ Prof. Jonathan Morris 215 : Communication and Marketing Master Class w/ Spencer M. Ross, PH.D.     The BEST in commercial coffee equipment! www.prima-coffee.com/keys   Want the best plant based beverage for your coffee drinks? www.pacificfoodservice.com

How we talk about coffee, relay information about coffee, and represent coffee to our customers and consumers in general, not only determines their attitude toward coffee but will literally shape the coffee industry. Often we get bogged down with details, side tracked with minutia, and overwhelm people in our bid to show them how precious coffee is to us. What is needed is a distilled and approachable treatment of the industry the opens up opportunities to more learning. That is what today's guest has accomplished through his new book Coffee for Dummies. I am thrilled to welcome back to the show, Major Cohen! Major Cohen is a coffee lover who has enjoyed a dream realized. After being a teacher of photography and film at the high school level for 20 years, his second career brought his passion for teaching and passion for coffee into alignment and he worked as a coffee educator for more than 25 years for Starbucks. His work for Starbucks began in 1995 when, as a Barista, he leveraged his passion and curiosity for coffee and business and after 8 years in operations in 5 roles was invited to move to the Seattle headquarters and join the coffee team. In the next 17 years he had the opportunity to be part of some of Starbucks most innovative efforts, and during his final 7 years traveled extensively in Asia as a coffee educator and brand ambassador. Although recently retired from Starbucks, Major is continuing his involvement with education in his role as an Authorized Specialty Coffee Association trainer, AST, and has written his first book, Coffee for Dummies. In today's conversation with Major we get to hear the story of how this book came to be, what went into deciding its content and we dive deep into discussion about communicating with consumers about the drink we all love!  We cover: <ul> <li>Connecting past and present day industry</li> <li>Creating impactful and simple content</li> <li>Distilling the topics</li> <li>The danger of making coffee too precious</li> <li>What makes information valuable</li> <li>Opening doors to further learning</li> <li>How we can effectively communicate with customers</li> </ul> Links: Buy the book here!  <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Coffee+For+Dummies-p-9781119679059" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wiley </a></li> </ul> Link to Starbucks video: <a href="https://coffeeexperiences.starbucks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://coffeeexperiences.starbucks.com</a> Related Episodes: <a href="https://keystotheshop.com/127-passion-and-curiosity-a-conversation-w-starbucks-global-sr-project-manager-major-cohen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> 127 : Passion and Curiosity: A conversation w/ Starbucks Global Sr. Project Manager, Major Cohen</a> <a href="https://keystotheshop.com/jameshoffmann/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">242 : A Conversation with James Hoffmann</a> <a href="https://keystotheshop.com/evolutionofcafe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">198 : The Evolution of the Coffee Shop w/ Prof. Jonathan Morris</a> <a href="https://keystotheshop.com/marketingandcommunication/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">215 : Communication and Marketing Master Class w/ Spencer M. Ross, PH.D.</a> The BEST in commercial coffee equipment! <a href="http://www.prima-coffee.com/keys" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.prima-coffee.com/keys</a> Want the best plant based beverage for your coffee drinks? <a href="http://www.pacificfoodsfoodservice.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pacificfoodservice.com</a>

272 : Coffee for Dummies w/ Major Cohen

No matter where we are in specialty coffee, we have all benefited in some way from the influence of Starbucks and their immense impact on the world stage. Today we get to learn from someone who has not only been in specialty coffee since it first came on the scene in the 70's but has been at the forefront of Starbucks retail innovation and education for the better part of 23 years. I am so very honored to welcome to the show, Sr. Project Manager for Starbucks Global, Major Cohen!  To say he has a passion for coffee would indeed be an understatement. Major's passion, curiosity, and fierce devotion to coffee, baristas and the customer experience has helped steer this global coffee powerhouse into it's most progressive expressions beginning with projects as Roy st. Coffee and Tea, 15th Ave Coffee and Tea, and the Reserve Roastery.  In our discussion we cover the arch of his fascinating career. From his beginning a second career as a barista at 45 years of age - to gaining the trust of Starbucks executives to influence and educate global markets today. We talk about:  Mentorship, keys to success in his career, the unofficial history of Starbucks, what was the catalyst for the company moving into the "3rd wave" framework? The balance of being a team player and being and independent operator, What were the challenges of establishing these concepts? How do these high-end experiences influence the other Starbucks stores? What can we do to advocate for our staff and also provide a great customer experience?  There is a wealth of knowledge in this discussion. Consider this a short but densely packed mentorship session with one of specialty coffee's greatest success stories. I know you will walk away with an expanded mindset and a new found energy to approach your work with passion and curiosity.  Enjoy!   Links/resources: https://news.starbucks.com/ Email: dcohen@starbucks.comRelated episodes: Episode 121 : Working from Your Strengths    SUBSCRIBE HERE!   Click here to vote for Keys to the Shop for "Best Coffee Podcast" in the 10th Annual Sprudgie Awards!        STARBUCKS MISSION To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.   VALUES With our partners, our coffee and our customers at our core, we live these values:        Creating a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome.       Acting with courage, challenging the status quo and finding new ways to grow our company and each other.       Being present, connecting with transparency, dignity and respect.       Delivering our very best in all we do, holding ourselves accountable for results.  We are performance driven, through the lens of humanity.Gallup Q12 Questions  Do you know what is expected of you at work? Do you have the materials and equipment to do your work right? At work, do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day? In the last seven days, have you received recognition or praise for doing good work?   Does your supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about you as a person? Is there someone at work who encourages your development? At work, do your opinions seem to count? Does the mission/purpose of your company make you feel your job is important? Are your associates (fellow employees) committed to doing quality work? Do you have a best friend at work? In the last six months, has someone at work talked to you about your progress? In the last year, have you had opportunities to learn and grow?     Please Visit our Sponsors!   For the best in speciality coffee equipment: www.prima-coffee.com     For the most amazing non-dairy performance beverages: www.pacificfoods.com

No matter where we are in specialty coffee, we have all benefited in some way from the influence of Starbucks and their immense impact on the world stage. Today we get to learn from someone who has not only been in specialty coffee since it first came on the scene in the 70's but has been at the forefront of Starbucks retail innovation and education for the better part of 23 years. I am so very honored to welcome to the show, Sr. Project Manager for Starbucks Global, Major Cohen!  To say he has a passion for coffee would indeed be an understatement. Major's passion, curiosity, and fierce devotion to coffee, baristas and the customer experience has helped steer this global coffee powerhouse into it's most progressive expressions beginning with projects as Roy st. Coffee and Tea, 15th Ave Coffee and Tea, and the Reserve Roastery.  In our discussion we cover the arch of his fascinating career. From his beginning a second career as a barista at 45 years of age - to gaining the trust of Starbucks executives to influence and educate global markets today. We talk about:  Mentorship, keys to success in his career, the unofficial history of Starbucks, what was the catalyst for the company moving into the "3rd wave" framework? The balance of being a team player and being and independent operator, What were the challenges of establishing these concepts? How do these high-end experiences influence the other Starbucks stores? What can we do to advocate for our staff and also provide a great customer experience?  There is a wealth of knowledge in this discussion. Consider this a short but densely packed mentorship session with one of specialty coffee's greatest success stories. I know you will walk away with an expanded mindset and a new found energy to approach your work with passion and curiosity.  Enjoy! Links/resources: <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://news.starbucks.com/</a> Email: <a href="mailto:dcohen@starbucks.com">dcohen@starbucks.com</a>Related episodes: <a href="http://www.keystotheshop.com/podcasts/strengths/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 121 : Working from Your Strengths</a> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/keys-to-shop-equipping-coffee-service-professional/id1191265255?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE HERE!</a> <a href="https://sprudge.com/the-tenth-annual-sprudgie-awards-finalists-138916.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Click here to vote for Keys to the Shop for "Best Coffee Podcast" in the 10th Annual Sprudgie Awards! </a> STARBUCKS MISSION To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. VALUES With our partners, our coffee and our customers at our core, we live these values: <ul> <li>      Creating a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome.</li> <li>      Acting with courage, challenging the status quo and finding new ways to grow our company and each other.</li> <li>      Being present, connecting with transparency, dignity and respect.</li> <li>      Delivering our very best in all we do, holding ourselves accountable for results.</li> </ul> We are performance driven, through the lens of humanity.Gallup Q12 Questions <ol> <li>Do you know what is expected of you at work?</li> <li>Do you have the materials and equipment to do your work right?</li> <li>At work, do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day?</li> <li>In the last seven days, have you received recognition or praise for doing good work?</li> </ol> <ol> <li>Does your supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about you as a person?</li> <li>Is there someone at work who encourages your development?</li> <li>At work, do your opinions seem to count?</li> <li>Does the mission/purpose of your company make you feel your job is important?</li> <li>Are your associates (fellow employees) committed to doing quality work?</li> <li>Do you have a best friend at work?</li> <li>In the last six months, has someone at work talked to you about your progress?</li> <li>In the last year, have you had opportunities to learn and grow?</li> </ol>   Please Visit our Sponsors!   For the best in speciality coffee equipment: <a href="http://www.prima-coffee.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.prima-coffee.com</a>     For the most amazing non-dairy performance beverages: <a href="http://www.pacificfoods.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pacificfoods.com</a>

127 : Passion and Curiosity: A Conversation w/ Major Cohen,  Sr. Project Manager, Starbucks Global  :  Starbucks history, developing a career, working as a team, advocating for baristas, teaching coffee, future of baristas, customer experience, importance