Meet the Coffee Nerds
The year was 2004. Google had launched their own email platform called Gmail. Facebook just began which inevitably led to the downfall of the then-popular social media site, MySpace (anybody still friends with Tom?). Apple had introduced iTunes to the world in a time when it was still popular to go to a music store or Borders to buy an album, and Youtube was about to make its entrance to the internet. In this same year, Alejo and Jonathan were destined to meet, thus forming the beginning of a great friendship and The Coffee Nerds.
A Meeting that Almost Never Happened
We still laugh about how we met—because honestly, we almost didn’t. Alejo had applied for a job at Starbucks and got called in for an interview. But on the day of, he accidentally showed up at the wrong location. He walked in, confidently told the team he was there for an interview… and they looked at him like, “What interview?”
Now here’s where fate kicked in.
Even though they hadn’t scheduled anything, the team decided to interview him anyway—and Alejo ended up getting hired on the spot. As luck would have it, that “wrong” store was exactly where Jonathan was already working. So yeah, the odds of us missing each other that day? Pretty high. But thanks to a happy accident and a spontaneous yes, our paths crossed exactly when they were meant to.
Coffee Nerd Beginnings
So, here’s where our story really kicks off. Alejo and Jonathan quickly bonded over steamed milk and espresso shots. You could say this was the spark that ignited The Coffee Nerds. We spent our mornings crafting lattes and serving up pastries to the neighborhood, the steady hiss of the espresso machine our morning soundtrack as we opened the doors, still rubbing the sleep from our eyes. Back then, it was all about handwritten codes on cups—sharpie in hand—and the buzz of the morning rush filling the cafe as we called out orders. Those little moments of quick chit-chat with regulars, grabbing their caffeine fix before dashing off to work, made every busy morning feel a little more connected.
Once the rush settled, we’d tidy up, dive into coffee tastings, and playfully debate which pastry paired best with the brew of the day. Hanging out with coworkers was a blast—we’d plan our after-work adventures, wandering the city but somehow always ending up back at the coffee shop. In many ways, that coffee shop wasn’t just a job—it was where life unfolded and friendships blossomed.
The Third Place
That’s the magic of a coffee shop, isn’t it? It’s a place to catch up with friends, find a quiet corner to yourself, or share a moment with someone special. Fun fact: both of us actually met our wives at coffee shops—proof that great things happen over a cup of coffee!
Coffee shops are alive with energy—people studying, reading, writing, chatting, dreaming, connecting, and creating. Spend enough time there, and you’re bound to cross paths with some seriously cool folks. And here’s a little secret: if you find yourself visiting a coffee shop a few times a week, congratulations—you’re officially on the path to becoming a coffee nerd. It’s practically a rite of passage.
What Truly Matters
At the heart of every coffee shop experience is the coffee itself—the bean, the roast, the grind, the water temperature, and the brewing method all coming together to create those flavors we crave. Seriously, who doesn’t love that comforting aroma of fresh coffee in the morning? It can be delightfully simple or wonderfully complex. Whether it’s timed to perfection by a machine or carefully handcrafted by a skilled barista, coffee is a drink that grows richer the more you learn about it.
But beyond the cup, it’s really about the people. The farmers who nurture the coffee cherries, the processors who prepare the beans, the shippers who bring coffee across the globe, and the roasters who unlock its flavors. Then there’s the most immediate connection—the baristas standing behind the counter, pouring passion into every cup you enjoy. Coffee is, at its core, a people-powered experience—bringing us all together one sip at a time.
Life After the Coffee Shop
We didn’t stay behind the espresso machine forever. After a while, life took us in different directions, but our friendship stayed strong. We celebrated each other’s milestones, including both of our weddings, and coffee remained a shared passion no matter where we were.
Our time at Starbucks gave us a solid coffee foundation, but our curiosity pushed us further. We started exploring specialty roasters across the country, hosting coffee tastings at home, and even tried our hand at roasting (with mixed success, to say the least!). Coffee wasn’t just a job or a hobby—it was a bond that kept us connected.
Final Sip
Coffee is woven into the fabric of our lives, and nothing makes us happier than sharing what we’ve learned along the way. The coffee community is a vibrant, creative family full of inspiring stories—stories of the farmers, roasters, baristas, and enthusiasts who make every cup meaningful. Our mission is to uncover these stories and share them with you.
No matter how you take your coffee—black, sweet, bold, or smooth—we hope these stories fuel your passion just like they fuel ours.
Thanks for sharing this journey with us. Here’s to many more great cups ahead. Cheers!
-Alejo and Jonathan