Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Wieser
Jodi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first discovered my passion behind the espresso machine as a barista in my small hometown cafe, honing my craft years before Starbucks even emerged. During my college undergraduate years and beyond, I helped open multiple coffee shops. After spending nearly two years immersed in the rich culture of Mali, West Africa, I relocated to study for a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies at Gateway Seminary in Marin County, California. Upon graduating, I remained in the Bay Area to work under the guidance of esteemed coffee consultant Willem Boot. There, I instructed roasting, cupping, and Q classes for close to eight years before co-founding Gather Coffee Company in 2015 with Marlee Benefield, traveling the globe to teach Q classes.
Over the years, I have judged for various competitions, such as the Good Food Awards and Coffee of the Year. I had the privilege of serving as vice chair of the SCA Tasters Pathway Committee during the merger of the SCAA and SCAE curricula. Through a project with the UN, alongside Graciano Cruz and Willem Boot, we worked with over 200 farmers on honey processing—the first time this technique had ever been explained and implemented. Before opening RHQ, I traveled the globe teaching sensory workshops and leading roasting seminars alongside renowned roasting expert Mark Michaelson, former head roaster of Onyx Coffee.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The more I learned about the value chain of coffee, the more I realized how underpaid the producers are for their coffee. The challenge is helping consumers understand why they are paying higher prices for coffee. In order for the coffee industry to be sustainable (from farmers to coffee shop owners), there should be some education to inform why coffee prices are high these days. No one likes to see rising prices, but it makes paying a dollar or two more per pound a little easier when people’s livelihoods are involved.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
RHQ is the go-to space for coffee professionals all over the US, providing expert education, quality roasted coffee, and access to state-of-the-art roasting equipment. We simplify the journey for those looking to start or elevate their coffee programs, while fostering a strong community through our co-roasting space and dedicated support team. Our goal is to get people to the next level in their coffee journey through education, community events, and consulting.
What’s next?
We focus on four things at RHQ: consulting, courses, co-roast, and wholesale. We are just now launching our co-roast space to those in the area. We know the barriers involved in roasting coffee, and we aim to lower those barriers so more people can roast for their own cafe, restaurant, or business. We provide training and consulting for those who rent time on the roasters. Come roast with us!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jodiwieser.com
- Instagram: RHQ_Dallas
Image Credits
Kenya photos by Clay Hayner
