So I guess before I start picking topics to blog about, I should probably introduce myself. My name is Michael Gaviña, and I am the fourth generation of a coffee family. I’ve worked with the family every summer since I was about 12 years old. In 2002 I completed my undergraduate studies in business administration and joined the family fulltime. Since then, I have become a certified Q-Grader* and currently sit on the board of directors for the Pacific Coast Coffee Association (PCCA).

I wasn’t always sure if the coffee industry would be where I would dedicate my life, but as it turns out the industry (culture, people, locations, flavors, etc.) is itself, addicting. It’s an electrifying business where valuable information you receive about the harvest of a specific origin can become archaic within 24 hours. If you consider yourself an extrovert, this is the business for you. It is claimed that as much as 8% of the world’s population is somehow involved with coffee.

How can I not mention the beautiful coffee growing countries? The coffee cherry, where the coffee bean is derived from, is like a careful tourist who has sought out and nested in some of the world’s most desirable geographical locations.

The history! Coffee started as the main cash crop for many of the countries that still harvest and to this day is the main source of income for millions of farmers. Some of those farmers have been in business for generations and coffee is all they know.

These are just a few of the many reasons why I love this business. If you have the same passion I do for coffee or are just interested in learning more about this complex commodity, I welcome you to join me in this journey of illumination.