From Nerd to Pro: A Coffee Journey by Patrik Rolf
It’s not often we talk careers on Brew Methods, but this one’s too good not to share. Just like many industries, finding your way to the top can be tough—it involves work, time, and sacrifice. But the coffee world demands a different kind of individual—one that is incredibly motivated, passionate, and willing to do the work. Overlooking the financial hardships and lack of opportunities, the industry can be brutal and without these qualities you can quickly find yourself overwhelmed, overworked, and back to square one.
But for those few who persevere, the payout can be incredibly rewarding. A great example of this is Patrik Rolf. Now owner of Copenhagen-based roastery April Coffee and 2019 World Brewer’s Cup silver medalist, he navigated his way to success with few resources but his own dedication and drive, and he’s now sharing his story via Kickstarter in a book titled – From Nerd to Professional: A Coffee Journey By Patrik Rolf.
The Content
Sectioned into four parts, it documents his decade-long career in the specialty coffee industry; navigating the realms of entrepreneurship, coffee competitions, and building a sustainable future for himself and the industry. He shares his highs and lows, wins and losses, and gives insight into how he learned to overcome his challenges and tick off his goals.
“This is not just another coffee book, this is an unfiltered and true story of my own experience, going from a nerd to a professional after a decade in the coffee industry. In many ways, it’s the guide I would have loved to have when I first started”, Patrik says.
There’s a lot to gain from this book, but what we love about it most is that it’s an open and honest account of someone who’s been through the challenges and come out on top. For the hundreds and thousands of aspiring coffee professionals around the world, this book is invaluable.
Patrik says, “Sharing knowledge and experiences has always been a big part of what I do. And I needed a format where I could tell a longer story. Writing is something that I have always wanted to do, ever since I was a kid.”
What makes it special?
Akin to April’s sustainability-driven business model (which we previously wrote about on Brew Methods), the book is entirely made from recycled takeaway cups, made possible thanks to a collaboration with a local Danish company ‘Narayana‘.
“Each page makes up material from 2 cups. This means we will use somewhere between 100 – 200 cups per book”, Patrik says.
If successful on Kickstarter, the funds raised will primarily cover printing costs of the book. Patrik afforded the costs of publishing from his own pocket so that it can immediately go out to the hands that need it most.
In addition, Patrik has announced that he will donate €10 from every sale to the Ukranian Red Cross.
If you’re considering a career in the coffee industry, this book couldn’t have come at a better time. To get your copy, follow the Kickstarter link here.
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