Eric Yochim is the founder and head honcho of Two Rivers Coffee, Arvada’s most highly recognized coffee shop for service and coffee excellence. He was referred to me by CJ Latham, guest on Episode 178 of the show, and with whom he collaborated on CJ’s Pre-Ride Cold Brew.

On this week’s show, Eric tells me the wild story of going from being a regular at his neighborhood coffee shop to owning it. It’s not often that opportunity presents itself so bluntly, but Eric decided to take the leap from his comfy job in fine dining to owning his own coffee company despite not knowing much about coffee.

And what he’s learned is fascinating as there are so many points that can influence a coffee bean ranging from how it’s grown to how it’s stored to how it’s transported to how it’s roasted to how it’s brewed. Eric gives me a good primer on all things coffee, and despite my caffeine aversion, is inching me toward wanting to drink more of it.

What’s also noteworthy in our chat is our notions about changing the world. And while it seems a simple cup of coffee isn’t changing the world in a material way, it’s interesting how this small, seemingly inconsequential thing has implications for his local community (providing a cool and worthwhile space for the neighborhood) and the global community (how buying practices have implications halfway around the world).

All in all, this is a fun, informative chat with a good dude doing terrific work.

You can check out Two Rivers Coffee on their website, and on Facebook.

This episode is available for download on iTunes, streaming on Stitcher, or at the Jon of All Trades homepage.

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