Cat & Cloud Podcast

This week on the podcast is part 2 of the event we hosted with Cafe Imports at the 2025 Specialty Coffee Association Expo. In this episode the audience asks the panelist questions that most impact their day to day interaction with the coffee supply chain. Covering topics like communicating the cost of coffee to guest, how roasters come to the prices they set, and how roasters can work together to ensure producers have a place to tell the amazing coffees that they grow. There is a lot to digest no matter what part of the coffee world yo come from. Again, huge thanks to all the panelists who joined us and shared their expertise—and a special shoutout to Cafe Imports for organizing the event and inviting us to be a part of it. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Links – Connect with Cafe Imports: Website: https://www.cafeimports.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeimports/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cafeimports2617 Connect more with Cat & Cloud: Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud webstore: catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

This week on the podcast, we’re sharing the event we hosted with Cafe Imports at the 2025 Specialty Coffee Association Expo. The event brought together panelists from across the green buying side of the coffee industry to explore the complexities of this essential part of the supply chain. This portion of the conversation focuses on the C market, tariffs, and their impact on all aspects of the industry. Panelists share strategies like price averaging and direct trade contracts as tools for navigating a volatile market—highlighting the real-world effects on producers and roasters, from maintaining quality to managing risk and security in an unpredictable system. Huge thanks to all the panelists who joined us and shared their expertise—and a special shoutout to Cafe Imports for organizing the event and inviting us to be a part of it. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Links – Connect with Cafe Imports: Website: https://www.cafeimports.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeimports/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cafeimports2617 Connect more with Cat & Cloud: Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud webstore: catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Road to Owner – Chucks journey to help start Cat & Cloud by Cat & Cloud

What to Sell When You're Selling – How to think about wholesale by Cat & Cloud

Spaces Make Places – Chatting about how a space looks and why it draws people in by Cat & Cloud

Eyes On the Prize – How showing up today helps you tomorrow by Cat & Cloud

It's Not So Black and White – Big money in small business by Cat & Cloud

The Guests That Arn't Your Guest – Showing hospitality to everyone you encounter by Cat & Cloud

The week we follow up with everyone’s favorite new topic, Tariffs. Specifically how this impact is similar to the record high of the C-Market from a month ago. Ultimately the conversation leads to how a change in consumer habits are what will ultimately make the change. Links from the show: Our new coffees – https://catandcloud.com/collections/featured-coffee The Hike: A Short Story About Connection – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvPcDv3pU7k RSVP to the Source: A Green Buying Panel happening at SCA in Huston Texas. www.eventbrite.com/e/source-a-gree…f=oddtdtcreator

RSVP to the Source: A Green Buying Panel happening at SCA in Huston Texas. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/source-a-green-buying-panel-tickets-1284924396459?aff=oddtdtcreator

RSVP to the Source: A Green Buying Panel happening at SCA in Huston Texas. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/source-a-green-buying-panel-tickets-1284924396459?aff=oddtdtcreator

Do Unto Others – Giving amazing service based on your own experience by Cat & Cloud

Attention to Intention – Putting your focus on where it matters most by Cat & Cloud

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week Chris and Jared are channeling that name brand “DO IT” energy, to answer one of our listener questions. Listen to this weeks full episode to hear their thoughts on when “the right” time is to go after what you want, and how to weigh the fear of failure against the potential growth and experience you could acquire. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? We want to hear it. Click the link below to record yourself or drop us a line at [email protected] https://catandcloud.com/pages/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to another installment of Chats with Chuck. Chris and Chuck are taking over the Cat & Cloud Podcast this week to discuss all things finance. Covering everything from lease agreements, to menu margins, Chuck is here to demystify these business decisions. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week Chris and Jared are answering one of your burning questions - how do we align and develop our teams palate? Listen to this weeks full episode to hear their thoughts on how to make the cupping process approachable for newbies, and how to keep your roasting team aligned on the profiles you want to create. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? We want to hear it. Click the link below to record yourself or drop us a line at [email protected] https://catandcloud.com/pages/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

This week on the Podcast Chris and Chuck talk about what the C Market is, why coffee prices are at an all time high, and chuck shares his thoughts on why and how to get away from a market based approach to setting prices. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? We want to hear it. Click the link below to record yourself or drop us a line at [email protected] https://catandcloud.com/pages/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week Chris is sitting down with the rest of the Cat & Cloud Marketing Department to discuss the implications behind Starbucks recent Super Bowl commercial, “Hello There.” Listen to the full episode to hear their opinions on the illusive 4th Wave Coffee, and some hot takes on the intentions behind the commercial. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Hello There, Super Bowl Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPbsMJr5lr4 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Questions About Culture by Cat & Cloud

The Seven Steps - Ushering guests into the rest of their day by Cat & Cloud

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! We’re throwing it back to early 2021 when Covid was still in full swing and the Cat & Cloud podcast was first being reintroduced to your ears. The episode we’ve chosen part of an interview Chris and Jared had with Kaila Hattis owner of Pacific Coast Therapy. Listen to this weeks episode to hear their conversation on what its like to become the person people look to for answers. Whether you’re a therapist, or a leader in your new business we hope this conversation provides some helpful insight! Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast and Happy New Year y’all! Have y’all ever struggled to get your pour over coffee juuuust right? Well not anymore. This week the podcast is a little bit different, Chris hopped on the mic to demystify the process for brewing you perfect pour over cup. Listen to this weeks full episode to get a little bit of history and Chris Baca’s perfect pour over recipe. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! We are starting off the year with a series of Episodes that we think are helpful, and this weeks episode is about cafe finances. Money can be a scary or mysterious topic, but as Chuck helps explain, it's possible to run a cafe in a way that doesn't only provide for the owner, but creates possibilities and careers for its team. In the episode Charles also mentions a breakdown sheet, and that is linked here: https://catandcloud.com/pages/gross-margin-category-margins-sales-mix Enjoy! Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen!

Welcome to the first ever Central Coast Four Podcast! We have some exciting new voices on the Cat & Cloud podcast today. Three owners of our favorite central coast coffee companies; Brayden co-owner of 11th Hour Coffee, Evan of Calavera Coffee, and Tyler owner of Captain Stoker have joined Chris Baca on the mic to share their experiences in opening and leading their own companies. Listen to the full episode to hear “Central Coast Four” discuss how they’ve maintained their passion as their roles have changed, grown and taken on new forms. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Find our friends! Calavera Coffee: https://www.calaveracoffee.org/ 11th Hour Coffee: https://www.11thhourcoffee.com/ Captain + Stoker: https://captainandstoker.com/?srsltid=AfmBOook8s3nxm0LV0xVqgo8DmxA_zIWjGM0OgQMWgRAzjCVFkdfXBZd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week we are back with the other half of our most recent origin trip to Colombia. This week Chris is sitting down 1-on-1 with Jorge Madrigal one of our most “highly decorated” team members. Over his 5 years with us he has held every role from FOH, BOH and even one in the roastery! Listen to this weeks full episode to hear about his experience on origin, how it changed his perspectives on coffee production and service. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Foundational Knowledge – A great place to start when starting something new by Cat & Cloud

Dulce Venancio | Green Coffee Team Lead by Cat & Cloud

Keeping the Outcome Front of Mind – Helping you do your work no matter how removed you are by Cat & Cloud

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud podcast! This week the guys are discussing all things GCC (guest-coffee-cafe) and how to prioritize and create a stellar guest experience. As we’re nearing the end of the year we’re starting to think more about what we want to build in the coming years, listen to this weeks full episode to hear their thoughts on what’s going to be most important for us in 2025. Want to give our new Instant Coffee a try? https://catandcloud.com/products/swift-coffee-6-pack Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud podcast! This week we have all three owners back on the mic to take a wide look at how your personal goals can help guide your business, and how you are still a person with focus and desires outside of what you’re building. Listen to this weeks full episode to hear about our latest product launch, and their thoughts on setting personal and career goals that support each other. Want to give our new Instant Coffee a try? https://catandcloud.com/products/swift-coffee-6-pack Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud podcast! The case study series continues! This week on the pod Chris and Charles are covering another episode of the Acquired podcast, this time about the Blue Bottle Acquisition. Listen to this weeks full episode to hear about our relationship to Blue Bottle and some of the dichotomies between their beginnings and that of Starbucks. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud podcast! This week Chris and Charles are back to finish their discussion about Howard Schultz’s interview with the Acquired podcast. Listen to this weeks full episode to hear their take on the Starbucks anthology, and how they relate to Schultz’s story and complex experience opening and scaling the coffee company we know today! Listen to the full Acquired episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starbucks-with-howard-schultz/id1050462261?i=1000657758174 Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Learning From Others - Insights from industry history by Cat & Cloud

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week Chris, Jared and Charles are sitting down to take the timeline of Cat & Cloud to Z. A couple weeks ago we started this process, sharing how a camping trip early on in the development of Trubaca helped make the cafes we love now a reality. This week the guys are walking us through how our Abbott Square came to be, and all the decisions that went in to making the call to expand! Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week Chris and Jared are sitting down at the mic to talk through what it would look like to perfectly mix your business with your personal passions. Is it enough to enjoy your job, or do people seek things that feel like a part of who they are? How do you optimize your resources to try and escape the financial trap that will eventually burn you out? Listen to this week's full episode to hear their thoughts and get a sneak peek at their ultimate passion-driven vision board. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

We just turned 8 years old! September 30th marked the 8th year since the Portola Cafe first opened it’s doors. In honor of Cat & Cloud making it one more rotation around the sun, the guys are sitting down this week to piece together the fullest version of our history! Have you ever wondered when Cat & Cloud (Trubaca) was first conceptualized? If you’ve been hanging out with us through this journey, we think it’s about time to tell you how all this happened. Listen to this weeks full episode to hear the guys recap how a camping trip may have helped them take the leap that became the Cat & Cloud we know now! Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

The Cat & Cloud podcast is back and we’re bringing y’all some big news! If y’all have been following us a while then you’ve at least heard of the Best Friend’s Club and if you haven’t, this is the perfect episode for you. This week on the pod, Chris, Jared, and Charles are walking us through the history of the BFC, how it started, how it continues to grow, and finally introducing the Best Friends Blend! To continue expanding the reach of the BFC, we have decided to introduce the Best Friends Blend as our newest espresso offering. This blend will always include one of our BFC coffees, allowing us to vastly increase the amount of BFC coffee sold in our cafes—which means more money goes directly back into the lives of our producers. Give it a try! https://catandcloud.com/products/the-best-friends-blend 00:00 Best Friends Club 01:53 How it Started (unofficial) 06:18 How it Started (official) 11:44 It’s About Supporting a Community 15:14 Expanding the Club 17:35 It’s About Connection 31:56 Some of the Issues 35:52 The Best Friends Blend Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week Chris, Chuck, and Jared are sitting down to discuss how we find the drive and inspiration to operate a mission-driven company, and how we pass that passion on to our teams. A mission is just an idea unless your leadership sets the example, bringing it to life on the floor every day. Listen to this week's full episode to hear the guys discuss how we’ve created a common language, gauges for success, and how to find the drive in yourself every day to make an impact. 00:00 What is the focus of your work 08:42 How do you communicate and share your mission 14:21 Giving ourselves feedback 26:28 Finding solutions 29:23 Our mission outside of the cafes 34:00 Opportunities in the everyday things 40:31 Common language 44:45 What metrics do you use to gauge success 50:55 Connecting the ideas with the work 55:48 To compete or not to compete 1:00:46 You have to want it 1:08:46 Having an impact impact without a title 01:12:33 Sharing what you know Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Shorty, but a goodie. This week Jared and Chris Discuss what it takes to make an idea come to life. How it's truly something anyone can to, because its not about the steps you need to take, but rather the conviction to the idea. There are tools out there for any obstacle you face, but theres only one person that can bring your ideas to life. You. –––––––––––––––––– Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/Cat & Cloud: catandcloud.com/Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

This week Chris asks Jared about a recent trip he went on to southern Californian, and what sort of coffee experiences he had while he was outside of out little coffee bubble that is Santa Cruz. Chuck asked some practical questions about Espresso extraction and what coffees might be best as espresso. Also he asks Chris and Jared what each of their idea espresso might be like. It’s a conversation that all swirls around what is possible when a cafe operates with intention, and how it can be an impactful place for the community it serves. 01:31 Jared in LA 08:29 A cool spot in SLO 11:18 Extraction Facts 18:50 Roast level and espresso 20:42 What coffees do we want to try as espresso 24:07 The intention shows 27:08 Jared's dream eXpresso 30:30 Chris' Dream eXpresso Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to Part Two of the Hospitality Refresher! On this weeks episode Chris and Jared are talking about all the little things. Everything from the tools you use to the simplest solutions and attention to detail helps you provide an incredible experience to your guests. So whether you've listened before or this is all new, listen to this week's episode to get the full Hospitality Refresh. 00:42 What did we do 02:32 Why you serve the coffee you do 08:10 It's about the experience you give the guest 11:01 The small things aren't small at all 12:37 Tools help but don't take away responsibility 15:28 Other things around the cafe 18:16 Don't be a liar 18:37 Standards make things easy for the guest 21:23 Meet the Guest where they are at 24:32 Serve with confidence (Tip No. 1779) 30:47 What questions are you really answering 32:34 Other intentions with our coffee menu 37:41 The solution is to pay attention Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy

This week on the Cat & Cloud Podcast we are rerunning a two-part episode on Hospitality. Hospitality is a fundamental value in everything we do as a company, and it's the key to providing incredible service. Listen to the first part to hear Chris and Jared’s review of some of the basics of hospitality and what they look like in practice every day in the cafe. Whether you’ve worked in service for a while, or are just getting started, it's always good to have a refresher. Come back next week to catch part two! 00:00 Intro 00:45 It's always good to remind yourself 04:59 Same problems through fresh eyes 06:24 Communicating your intention with your team 13:42 Serving not just the guest in front of you 18:50 Accuracy gives everyone the best experience 24:15 All the details add up 27:11 Hospitality outside of the cafe Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

This week on the Cat & Cloud Podcast the guys are reviewing the history of Barista Competitions, and what their ideal competition would look like today. Listen to this week's full episode to hear about their dream for an “All Stars” competition, how introducing new equipment changed competitions and cafe culture, and the influence of specialty Home Baristas in the competition world! 0:00: All Stars Barista Comp 5:50: Jared Presents, Systems are the Pathway to Freedom 11:02: Breaking out the Community 13:20: As the Crow Flies 16:10: Green Buying Come Up 21:02: The Introduction of Scales in Competition 25:30: Home Barista Market 30:10: More Pathways for Everything 35:49: The Biggest Mistake in Chris Baca’s Life Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud podcast! This week Chris and Jared are getting a full class on Cafe Finance hosted by our very own Charles Jack. Listen to this week's full episode and join the finance deep dive and hear their perspectives on how to develop finance transparency in your own company. Cafe finance articles: Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filings Increase for US Coffeehouses: https://stir-tea-coffee.com/features/the-big-business-reality-of-specialty-coffee/?utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=July_2024_News_Update_from_STiR_coffee_and_tea_magazine_-_17_July_2024&utm_medium=email The Big Business Reality of Specialty Coffee: https://stir-tea-coffee.com/tea-coffee-news/chapter-11-bankruptcy-filings-increase-for-us-coffeehouses/?utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=July_2024_News_Update_from_STiR_coffee_and_tea_magazine_-_17_July_2024&utm_medium=email Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

This week the guys are sitting down and taking a look back over the last 8 years of being Cat & Cloud, what we’ve learned and what has changed from where we started. As a business grows it becomes much easier for things to get missed, and for the culture you build to get more diluted. It’s happened to us! It’s through those low points that you learn the most about the needs of your business. Listen to this weeks full episode to hear what Chris, Jared and Chuck have learned about building systems for success! Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week we are busting out the throwback of all throwbacks with our very first interview. In this episode Chris and Jared sat down with US Barista Champion Charles Babinski to talk through the rapid growth of his business. Listen to the full episode to hear some espresso tips straight from the mouths of coffee geeks and barista champions, and get some of the lore on their first meeting and experience in the competition circuits! A very Merry Christmas from Ryan and Devin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyCVAK2GB4E&feature=youtu.be Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week Chris and Jared are hopping in to share some thoughts on learning and growth. Are you limited by your industry, or is it possible to reach beyond and learn outside your bubble? We don’t always consider how multi-faceted the “Service Industry” is. Hospitality in Hotels looks a lot different than ours in the cafe, but it can still be useful or at the least interesting. Listen to the full episode to hear where they are looking for inspiration and their perspectives on the importance of providing incredible experiences. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Giving Ownership - How empowering team members can make everything improve by Cat & Cloud

What if we talked about cafes the same way people talk about basketball teams? Looked at the movement of baristas from one cafe to another, and their performance the same way we do athletes. This week on the Cat & Cloud podcast the guys are looking at how you quantify a busy cafe and a successful cafe. Listen to this week's episode to hear their takes on what pro barista work looks like from their years of expertise. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilized our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

You Are More Than Your Work - Having hobbies gives perspective by Cat & Cloud