Episode Details

Cat & Cloud Podcast 

Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/

Part 2: Cafe Imports Source "Where Do We Go From Here" Panel hosted by Chris Baca - Ep# 457

Welcome to Part 2 of this live panel discussion hosted by Cafe Imports recorded at the World of Coffee, in San Diego, CA. 

Cat & Cloud’s own Chris Baca moderates This Source Event as the conversation shifts into new territory.  We jump back in with Jeremy Lyman (Birch Coffee) in Brooklyn, Laila Ghambari (Guilder Coffee) in Portland, and Kali Solack (Café Regina) in Puerto Rico as they share how they develop team members, why training extends far beyond coffee skills, and what it means to build a company that creates successful people—not just successful cafes. They also discuss e-commerce, wholesale growth, brand identity, customer connection, and the challenges of standing out in a crowded coffee market today, and finding balance as owners. The episode closes with reflections on entrepreneurship, patience, work-life balance, and the lessons these owners wish they had known when they were just getting started.

Whether you're growing a coffee company, managing a team, or building something from scratch, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom from operators who have spent years learning what matters most.

Chapters

00:00 Intro/Growing People vs Growing the Company
 05:00 Creating Opportunities and Training
 09:00 Why Training Is the Best Investment
 15:00 The Value of Long-Term Team Development
 18:00 E-Commerce, Direct-to-Consumer & Online Growth
 22:00 Wholesale Growth & Strategic Partnerships
 25:00 Q & A, Presence and Strategy, Brand
 33:00 Advice for New Business Owners

Podcast Info and Contact: www.catandcloud.com/podcast

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Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale

Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first.

Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them. 

The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations. 

Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby

Produced by Casey Ryan

July 2026