About Us

Anna
Barista

What do you do?
Expert sauce whisker and milk steamer. I had a guest dub me as the Toast Queen recently.

Why the Coffee Co.?
I’ve been drawn to the energy, passion, and intellect since I first stepped foot into a Zingerman's. The Coffee Company really stole my heart, though.

What's your favorite drink?
If we’re talking from a purist standpoint, Ethiopia pour over. It has a beautiful and unmistakable note of blueberry. If I’m in the mood for a warm hug I chose the Blazin’ Bee. It has honey, cinnamon, and a dash of cayenne! It’s like curling up with a soft blanket in front of a (pretty hot) bonfire.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
I like to experiment with electronic music and gear such as synthesizers, drum machines, anything modular if I get my hands on it. The Ann Arbor district Library has facilitated this opportunity to do so. I also really love to cook and try new recipes with people I love.

What would surprise us about you?
I lived in NYC for a few years on a whim. I really wanted to experience big city life. I found the natives to be some of the most authentic and beautiful people. It was probably one of the most life changing experiences for me as a person.

Becca
Barista

What do you do?
I cultivate the best coffee I know how. I offer awesome customer service and am full of suggestions! If there's a better way, tell me, so I too can be better.

Why the Coffee Co.?
Simple. I love coffee. I can appreciate all types of drinks. I love learning what the World has to offer.

What's your favorite drink?
I love a good espresso. If I want something hot to sip on, Con Miel. Cold? Blend me up an Es Alpukat!

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Travel, surf, & cook!

What would surprise us about you?
I am ambidextrous.

Bobby
Barista

What do you do?
Make Premium Coffee Drinks

Why the Coffee Co.?
Love coffee and love the atmosphere

What's your favorite drink?
Cafe con miel - a little sweet and a little nutty.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Music and stand-up

What would surprise us about you?
I haven't seen Lord of the Rings

Cadey
Barista

What do you do?
The best I can. Make the coffee, serve the coffee. Make the smiles, serve the smiles.

Why the Coffee Co.?
I enjoy the technical skills involved with making coffee in combination with the artistic aspects and customer interaction.

What's your favorite drink?
The “lemoncade”- Lemonade, shot of cream, blended, whipped cream on top. It’s similar to an orange julius or lemon meringue pie in a cup. Delicious, and yes I just made that up… lol. Actually though- I really like the chai tea latte. It’s just spicy enough, and is balanced out with sweet and creamy flavors.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Study for my restaurant management degree at EMU and baking & pastry arts degree at WCC, plan my wedding, lots of cooking and baking, and take care of my plants at home.

What would surprise us about you?
I play the tuba!

Cholie
Retail Supervisor

What do you do?
Regular barista things, with sparkle!

Why the Coffee Co.?
I've always loved how we offer so many coffees so many different ways

What's your favorite drink?
 I'm usually a pour over lover.  What I'm drinking in it just depends.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Hang out with my family, knit and play Dungeons and Dragons

What would surprise us about you?
I trained in college to be an Opera Singer

Chris
Roaster/Trainer

What do you do?
I do a fair amount of the roasting, I maintain the recipe database and track roasting via color, environment, and temperature. I also do the coffee training for the internal staff as well as wholesale customers, in addition to other Zingerman's employees and public classes. I maintain and update the materials for training as well.

Why the Coffee Co.?
The coffee Co does a lot right. We are invested in our products as much as we are invested in the people. Both in terms of service to those we work and collaborate with, and those we serve our product to. We are also one of the least complacent places I've been involved with. Constantly looking for new ways to improve and grow. It's demanding in all the right ways.

What's your favorite drink?
Nothing beats a solid cup of coffee. We have great beans, let them shine. While I enjoy espresso, I find the long haul experience of a cup of coffee more enriching as I can enjoy the warming and enticing aroma when its fresh and hot, as well as the  ever changing panorama of flavors as it cools.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
When I'm not at the Coffee Co, I can be found doing one of my hobbies. I love to do vintage swing dancing, cycling, strength training, or playing music. I don't have a lot of down time, and I usually like it that way. 

What would surprise us about you?
I used to play in a punk rock band. 

Diane
Accounting Assistant

What do you do?
Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and all other office-type "stuff".

Why the Coffee Co.?
I enjoy working with and helping people, it's close to home and the part-time position fits my personal schedule really well.

What's your favorite drink?
Spicy Mocha Latte - I love the spicy kick and of course, CHOCOLATE!

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Literacy coaching; church volunteer: kids, choirs, outreach; Nana to two beautiful granddaughters, spending time with my husband, Tom.

What would surprise us about you?
I'm learning how to sail AND getting over my fear of the water, due to not being a great swimmer (these go hand-in-hand really well!).

Doug
Demo Coordinator

What do you do?
Any and all things pertaining to promoting our coffee via demo presentations. The responsibilities include: scheduling Demos for all Wholesale Businesses who desire demos, ordering supplies for demos and demo Presenters, training new demo staffers, sharing information and best practices with staffers, problem solve any issues that arise in the Demo-world, and assist my Managing Partner with any his requests in the wonderful world of Demo-land.

Why the Coffee Co.?
I found this to be one of the more stimulating ZCOB businesses (pun intended). Have the freedom to do what I do best... to expose and sell great coffee to our guests at our Wholesale businesses.  I love that the Coffee Company is always improving and striving for greatness. Needless to say, the Coffee Company satisfies a deep love of the bean in all forms.

What's your favorite drink?
 Love all my little children (aka our coffees and drinks), however I find that our Espresso Blend in any all ways to be a favorite. Be it as a shot, almond milk fortissimo or as an important component to our cold-brew... it really shines!

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Oh I like long walks on the beach, sunsets, travel (especially my love for New Orleans, great food (spicy offerings from Asia and and the Americas), great drink (obviously coffee in all forms, have a fondness for Irish whiskey and brown lager), interesting music (mostly underground punk and techno with soft spots for the Blues and classical), attending sporting events (all things Detroit and UM), great movies and television (anything unusual and challenging, also love a good laugh), great books (literature and food related tomes), walking and exploring A2 and surrounding areas, love the 2 golfs... disk and chasing a small ball and pondering the nature of the universe.

What would surprise us about you?
A few things come to mind: in a previous life I was involved in banking, I can sing like a didgeridoo (or a Tuva singer who can't quite get multi octaves😕), and I have a strong love of squeakers and bacon wallets.

Elle
Barista Babe

What do you do?
Brew, Talk Coffee, Talk Life

Why the Coffee Co.?
Coffee is surprising, delicate, beautiful, comforting, and provocative for me. Coffee lovers are even more so!

What's your favorite drink?
A Pour Over of Brazil Sweet Yellow. Hazelnut & Milk Chocolate, a sweet warm hug.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Write, create, explore food, & move my body.

What would surprise us about you?
I really love Stephen King novels.

Eric
Accounting Manager

What do you do?
Accounting, financial reporting, overseeing the financial well-being of the financial records and procedures.

Why the Coffee Co.?
 I've wanted to work for Zingerman's since I was in a ZingTrain seminar about five years ago.  I was blown away by the way Zingerman's empowers employees to take pride in their job and allows us to give the best customer service possible and supports us in doing it.  I've never felt so supported by both my co-workers and management.

What's your favorite drink?
The baristas will tell you that it's soda water, hands down.  Favorite coffee?  Like a whole lot of people, it's a tie between the espresso blend and the French roast (I like dark roast coffees).

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Knitting, both by hand and by machine.  I teach people how to restore and use 19th Century circular hosiery knitting equipment.  There are only a few thousand people in the world that still use them and I'm one of about a half dozen people that are qualified to teach the skills.  Talk about a niche market, huh?

What would surprise us about you?
I've been clinically dead twice (so far), I speak French fairly well, I can read and write Braille, and if I hadn't become an accountant, I would have pursued a career as a big band vocalist (but accounting pays a lot better unless you happen to be Michael Buble or Harry Connick, Jr.).

Erin
Demo Goddess

What do you do?
I caffeinate, educate, entertain, and brighten days.

Why the Coffee Co.?
Because if I'm a junkie for any substance, it's coffee.  And Zingerman's has really good coffee and a mission that I believe in.

What's your favorite drink?
Brewed coffee.  Because I'm a junkie.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
I'm sorry, do you have a security clearance high enough for that information?

What would surprise us about you?
In addition to caffeinating the masses, I am a voice over artist.

Jacob
Warehouse Crew

What do you do?
I help bag coffee and put together orders to be shipped and delivered.

Why the Coffee Co.?
If I’m going to bag coffee it better be good coffee.

What's your favorite drink?
The single origin coffees, they’re fresh.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
I drink coffee and sleep.

What would surprise us about you?
My sneeze.

Jeff
Warehouse/Production Manager

What do you do?
Oversee wholesale as well as local production and ensure that our coffee gets to our customers on fresh and on time so that they may enjoy the product in its prime. 

Why the Coffee Co.?
I have a history with Zingerman's, having overseen Purchasing at the Deli for a number of years, but the time was right for a change both for myself and the Coffee Company. I have a long standing love for coffee and even met my then future wife while working at a coffee shop in Saline in the 90's. 

What's your favorite drink?
Same thing here as at home, Colombian in a Chemex. I find this brings out the citrus and reminds me sunny warm weather and my Colombian Gramps. I never add anything to coffee, preferring the simple nuances of a freshly brewed black cup of coffee.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Spending time at the gym, training myself and others. 

What would surprise us about you?
My primary method of fitness involves swinging around steel maces, as in the medieval weapon, and martial arts.  

Laura
Wholesale Customer Support

What do you do?
The BOH (back of house) and I provide support to our wholesale customers by making their ordering experience as easy, fast and accurate as possible!

Why the Coffee Co.?
I worked here (for years!) and left to move out of state. When I came back to Ann Arbor, MI., I couldn't think of any other place I'd rather work!

What's your favorite drink?
OK....super boring, but I really just like brewed coffee.  It's fun to learn about coffees from different regions of the world.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
I'm a clarinetist who has fun performing in bands, orchestras and chamber groups. My next musical adventure is to learn klezmer clarinet!

What would surprise us about you?
Ummm.....I can juggle?

Lauren
Warehouse Crew

What do you do?
I produce and ship out Zingerman’s Coffee for wholesale customers! 

Why the Coffee Co.?
I get free coffee!

What's your favorite drink?
Vanilla latte with an extra shot. Our espresso is delish!

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
I’m pursuing a degree in social work. When I’m not at school, I like to spend time with my boyfriend and our cats.

What would surprise us about you?
I’m a huge beer nerd. 

Mark

What's your favorite drink?
Chemex of Sweet Yellow

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Reading, basketball, hockey, TV, music The Gathering, Warhammer 40K

Matthew
Wholesale Account Specialist

What do you do?
I give support to our wholesale cafe customers: account management, education, equipment service.

Why the Coffee Co.?
Great coffee, great people, and love being part of the Zingerman's Community of Businesses. 

What's your favorite drink?
I drink espresso every morning.  I love the intensity and richness of flavor.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Distance running!  I put in a lot of miles on the roads and trails of Ann Arbor.

What would surprise us about you?
I was a competitive gymnast for many years and can still walk on my hands.

Mercedes
Barista

What do you do?
Prepare and serve coffee

Why the Coffee Co.?
I've never really had the change to work with coffee quite to this degree before. ZCC is very unique in how it presents coffee and espresso, and I'm happy to be a part of that.

What's your favorite drink?
 Americano with a dash of cream

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
In my time off I'm usually reading, or working on one of the many craft projects I've got going currently (knitting, sewing, painting etc...)

What would surprise us about you?
I went through a heavy cyber-goth phase beginning in 7th grade and ending around 10th grade.

Michelle
Marketing Manager

What do you do?
I support the marketing and graphic design needs of our wholesale clients, wholesale business, and our café! I totally love my job because, as a child, I used to get in trouble for being on the computer/MySpace too much (I’m aging myself here) and for doodling in class. Now it’s my career. HAH.

Why the Coffee Co.?
When I moved to the area 10 years ago, Zingerman’s reputation for exceptional customer service and business practices preceded its reputation for exceptional food. It made an impression on me as a great community of business for which to work. I have a background in home brewing and worked for a craft beer brewery for three years, and absolutely loved it. I feel like the vibe of a brewery and café are similar in a lot of ways, as is the science behind making beer and coffee. So, when I came across this job, I had to go for it. Now that I’m here, I’d add that the leadership and my coworkers here are interesting, fun, hard-working folks who make it easy to spend most of my time here! And, coffee benefits, obviously.

What's your favorite drink?
Lately I’ve been addicted to the Tumeric Ginger Chai Latte. If you haven’t tried it yet, you're missing out. Also, it is naturally caffeine-free… I know so many people who need to avoid caffeine, so I like to spread the good word.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Studying Italian (my life pal is from there, and his parents don’t speak English, so…I’m trying to be a good “daughter-in-law!”), painting, drawing, Netflix binging, taking my adorable pup to the dog park, running (or, trying), fitness kickboxing.

What would surprise us about you?
I used to play roller derby, and was a jammer for the Ann Arbor Derby Dimes. Also, I have a motorcycle – a Suzuki Boulevard s40. Most people seem to be surprised by these two facts specifically.

Mike
Barista

What do you do?
I'm the resident shaman and maker of accidental latte art

Why the Coffee Co.?
The Zingerman's business model of openness and transparency make me feel good about the work that I do here.

What's your favorite drink?
Ethiopian pour-over... a blueberry explosion of love!

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Reading about and practicing naturopathic remedies, urban gardening, growing vegetables and herbs from inside my apartment, lovingly whispering sweet nothings to my plant-children, who I miss dearly while I am away from them... they're so handsome.

What would surprise us about you?
I once lived in the woods of Grand Teton National Park, in a village of 200 people. We had communal taco rituals every Friday and all shared each others' clothes.

Quinten
Barista

What do you do?
Brew coffee, drink coffee, serve coffee... drink coffee.

Why the Coffee Co.?
As a discerning coffee drinker, I care about quality coffee - especially when it's sustainably sourced and locally roasted!

What's your favorite drink?
Iced Brazil Full Bloom, out of a Chemex! The best way to drink an iced light roast - tons of flavor and a smooth sip!

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Read, and hike.

What would surprise us about you?
I'm a former chef!

Rachelle
Wholesale Sales Manager

What do you do?
I do whatever needs to be done!

Why the Coffee Co.?
I LOVE Zingerman's business philosophy and I LOVE coffee. 

What's your favorite drink?
Mexican Chiapas in a mug, preferably a mug we have in the café that says "Hello, Gorgeous".

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Raising tiny humans while dreaming of playing tennis.

What would surprise us about you?
I play(ed) the bassoon. I am also a huge rock nerd (geologically not musically) and I love spending time searching and staring at rocks. 

Stacy
Retail Supervisor

What do you do?
You name it, I'll do it!

Why the Coffee Co.?
When I look back at my “working life”, I was the happiest at being a Barista! I love developing relationships with a guest/staff member over a delicious and warm cup of Joe! It just makes my heart happy!

What's your favorite drink?
I just tried Almond milk for the first time so I’m really digging an iced almond milk latte.

What do you do when you're not coffee-ing
Anything to do with my sweet, little (or not so little) pug, Henry! I enjoy long wagon rides with Henry, cuddling with Henry, and...drinking Craft Brews with Henry.

What would surprise us about you?
I came in second place in my high school talent show for singing “Bust a Move” by YOUNG MC.