What is your position in the coffee industry?

industry professional, entrepreneur

Where are you located? ( City and Country )

San Francisco

How many years have you been in the industry?

2

If you are a barista or shop, are you interested in a barista exchange with another coffee shop/barista?

yes

Tell us more about your coffee shop or barista skills.

I can pull shots and make the basic drinks.

What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?

I'd love to spend some time visiting both Africa and South America.

About Me:

My name is Rip, I'm from Amsterdam but have been in the US for the last 6 years. I started Rip van Wafels in 2010 and operate out of San Francisco.

About My Company:

Rip van Wafels makes caramel filled waffles that originate from Amsterdam, The Netherlands

We believe that third wave coffee is an incredibly important movement. It is a life style that speaks quality; a quality experience manifested through great craftsmanship, ingredients and ambiance. I grew up with a similar life style in Amsterdam.

Currently there is a big gap between the third wave coffee community and the public. Specialty coffee has been growing rapidly however the community is very small and still is some what unnoticed by the majority. Coffee education is being conducted on premise but not out in the open. As a company, we are trying to be the link that bridges the third wave community to the public.

Our product is meant to enhance the coffee ritual especially for those who are still foreign to quality coffee. The ritual of placing a waffle over a HOT coffee drives the novice to appreciate the coffee aroma and to value drinking coffee at the right temperature.

On a marketing front, we are in the process of associating our brand with thought leaders that appreciate third wave coffee - artists, entrepreneurs etc. The idea is that because they are influential, through our product they will attract a large audience and in doing so drive more people to our product and as a result to third wave coffee.

To compliment our efforts we have been partnering up with the most prominent third wave roasters around the country. From Verve in Santa Cruz, to Ritual in SF, Klatch in LA and Orleans Coffee Exchange in New Orleans amongst many others. We have been supporting the third wave community at SCAA events (roasters retreat, camp pull a shot, barista competitions), Latte Art Throw downs and Coffee Fest amongst others.

What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?

The lifestyle it represents: Specialty/Third Wave Coffee in particular is fascinating to me in that it there is a tremendous emphasis on quality & craft.

Website:

http://www.RipvanWafels.com