Cat & Cloud Podcast

This week, we dive into why learning from others is one of the fastest ways to grow. From drawing lessons out of brands like Disney to observing how peers structure their systems, it’s about finding insights that reveal blind spots and adapting them into something true to your own vision. The real value isn’t in copying but in connecting those ideas to your own culture and goals. Whether it’s another coffee shop, a global brand, or even a friend’s workflow, growth comes from taking what resonates and making it authentically yours. 🔖 Chapters – 00:36 A.I. tools at work 07:31 Living in Santa Cruz 21:00 Learning vs being told 🔗 Links – Cat & Cloud: Instagram www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore www.catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: www.chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for us to share our experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week we sit down to talk about new challenges as business owners, how we utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

This week, Chuck and I dig into the recent Philz Coffee sale. We break down how venture capital and private equity deals actually work, why common stockholders often walk away with nothing, and the difference between preferred and common shares. We talk about how control shifts once big investors enter the picture, the influence of a board, and how decision-making can drift from a company’s original vision. We also explore the missed opportunity for Philz to take care of employees who invested their own money, even without a legal requirement to do so. From coffee companies as “brand pieces” for investment firms, to the challenges of scaling retail, we compare this sale to deals like Blue Bottle’s. It’s a conversation about money, ownership, and the choices that shape a company’s legacy. 🔖 Chapters – 01:07 Philz Sale 05:06 Common equity overview 10:50 Fluffy words 12:11 The start of philz 14:09 what is venture capital actually getting from cafe purchases 18:38 Philz sale vs Blue Bottle 22:25 Who's getting what and who should have 26:47 ​​Takeaways from this sale 🔗 Links – KQED Philz Article: https://www.kqed.org/news/12051278/no-layoffs-in-philz-coffee-sale-but-stock-owning-former-employees-will-lose-out SF Standard Article: https://sfstandard.com/2025/08/01/philz-coffee-sale-private-equity/ Cat & Cloud: Instagram www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore www.catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: www.chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for us to share our experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week we sit down to talk about new challenges as business owners, how we utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

We cover a lot of ground in this episode — from mentorship and leadership growth to why having a group around you can be so helpful for personal and professional development. There’s also some fun in the mix, like breaking down the NBA salary cap and what it tells us about building sustainable teams, whether in sports or in business. We also rant a bit about mobile ordering and what it’s doing to the coffee experience. And we dream big — talking about storytelling, making documentaries, and chasing the kind of ideas that don’t always make sense on paper, but just feel right. 🔖 Chapters – 03:30 EO vs Vistage 13:49 Chucks insights on the NBA Salary cap 22:50 Chucks rant on mobile ordering 31:08 Bacas documentary idea 36:00 Jared going to honduras 🔗 Links – Entrepreneurs' Organization: Website www.eonetwork.org Cat & Cloud: Instagram www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore www.catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: www.chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for us to share our experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week we sit down to talk about new challenges as business owners, how we utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

This episode’s more like a stream of consciousness as we go through all the open tabs in our brain than a polished takeaway. We talk about experimenting with roast curves, the balance between juicy acidity and sweetness, and the challenge of making something expressive yet approachable. We touch on espresso ratios, brewing methods, and how taste perception can be wildly different depending on so many variables. We round out the conversation by getting into the Best Friends Club — our hope to expand it beyond our walls without being the gatekeepers. It’s an exciting open tab for us, and we’re dreaming big. Casual Friday energy all the way. We’re tired, inspired, and figuring it out in real time. 🔖 Chapters – 01:16 Visiting mahlköenig in Seattle 04:30 Coffee development 10:45 Coffee for you 21:35 Current events at Cat & Cloud 28:26 The Best Friends Club expansion with Honduras 🔗 Links – Cat & Cloud: Instagram www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore www.catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: www.chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for us to share our experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week we sit down to talk about new challenges as business owners, how we utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

This episode is a full-on field trip as we recap our visit to the Big Face Coffee pop-up in San Francisco. The coffee was solid, the energy was high, and the whole experience sparked a bigger conversation about the promise a brand makes, pop-ups, and the fine line between vibes and substance — and what it really means to create something that’s truly connected to people, not just putting on a show. We touch on what makes a brand experience feel consistent, and how the message you tell in one place has to hold up everywhere else. We talk about where Big Face nailed it, where it felt a little thin, and what it takes to really deliver something people can believe in. Come hang with us — it’s a good time. 🔖 Chapters – 00:00 Getting going 00:54 An evening in SF 09:10 Big Face popup experience 13:50 Promise or vibe 17:43 What could be done 25:17 Birthdays 28:05 Our dining experience at Californios 🔗 Links – Big Face coffee: Instagram www.instagram.com/bigfacebrand/?hl=en Website https://www.bigfacebrand.com/collections/coffee?srsltid=AfmBOorSU13HxmUrPUD1fpa2KEEt8CULmmWQzxc3JgYgiB8AmtdRm-dC Californios restaurant: https://www.californiossf.com/ Cat & Cloud: Instagram www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore www.catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: www.chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for us to share our experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week we sit down to talk about new challenges as business owners, how we utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

Come along with us on a ride in this episode as we experience the world of Cup of Excellence coffee auctions for the first time. We were chasing a special lot from our Best Friends Club producer, Nelín Guzman, as his coffee took 5th place in his category for all of Honduras. We talk through how these auctions work, why countries like Honduras now use new categories, and how even with categories, varieties like Parainema still command a high price. We also dig into what it means to bring coffees of this caliber back to our guests — using them in competitions and adding them to our menu in a limited quantity. For us, it wasn't about winning the auction – there was a small chance of that happening anyway – but more so about what doors being a part of the COE opens for us in the future. And hey, you need to start somewhere. It was a wild time of an early morning, side bets, and high energy. Buckle up. 🔖 Chapters – 00:00 Welcome to the ride 02:40 C.O.E. Auctions 04:32 Categories and Their Impact on Coffee Auctions 11:42 Why are we in the C.O.E.? 23:54 What’s up with Parainema 27:25 A lot to learn about varieties 30:56 How did we set our budget for the auction? 33:36 Where do these coffees fit on our menu 38:20 Jared list off coffee varieties from ethiopia 39:32 Has to end somewhere 🔗 Links – Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud webstore: catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for us to share our experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week we sit down to talk about new challenges as business owners, how we utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

This week we talk about the shifting landscape of coffee certifications — particularly the recent changes to the Q grader system. With the program moving under CQI, many coffee professionals are now being told their existing certifications no longer count, and that they’ll need to retest under a new system. This sparks a conversation about what certifications really mean in practice. Do they actually make someone better at sourcing or tasting coffee, or are they more about recognition and status within the industry? For seasoned professionals with years of experience, the answer isn't always clear — especially when their day-to-day work remains unchanged by these official titles. We talk about how learned skills typically come not from structured certifications, but from real-world practice. While certifications can offer a shared language and pathway for new professionals, we question whether they should be gatekeepers for credibility. In the end, staying sharp and doing meaningful work comes down to passion, commitment, and community — not just passing a test. It's a reminder that building culture in coffee isn’t about following someone else’s system, but about knowing your values and living them out. 🔖 Chapters – 00:00 Stirring the Pot 01:57 C.O.E. coffees 09:47 Coffee in Competitions 13:43 The Q Grader Certification Debate 17:59 Industry Standards and Their Relevance 30:57 Certification of experience 🔗 Links – Trish Rothgeb - The Sprudge Twenty Interview: https://sprudge.com/trish-rothgeb-the-sprudge-twenty-interview-258811.html Actually Good Coffee Podcast: https://actuallygoodcoffeepodcast.podbean.com/e/41-the-sca-and-cqi-have-some-explaining-to-do/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud webstore: catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for us to share our experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week we sit down to talk about new challenges as business owners, how we utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025

This week, we hang out with Ben Richardson of Sydney’s Made of Many roastery and Brighter cafe, and get into what it really means to build culture in coffee. Ben shares how his journey started not just from wanting to roast great coffee, but from seeing a lack of genuine culture and career paths in many roasteries. He explains how focusing on real relationships and long-term commitment — rather than just chasing perfection or high scores — leads to deeper impact and a more meaningful business overall. We also touch on the philosophy behind Brighter cafe, which intentionally avoids social media marketing and instead thrives on word-of-mouth and authentic community connections. It’s a long, fun conversation, giving more perspective to who makes up the coffee industry, and how we have so much in common. 🔖 Chapters – 00:00 Welcome Ben 05:04 Building a Coffee Culture: Insights from Experience 10:01 Career Progression in Coffee: Challenges and Opportunities 15:05 Intentional Roasting: Quality vs. Relationships 20:03 The Importance of Commitment: Investing in Producers 24:58 Storytelling in Coffee: Beyond Quality 29:55 The Experience of Coffee: More Than Just a Beverage 40:54 The Evolution of Coffee Roasting Technology 43:53 Brand Identity and Community Engagement in Cafes 47:14 The Power of Authentic Experiences Over Social Media 53:03 Creating a Unique Cafe Culture 01:00:39 Some bullsh!t 🔗 Links – Connect with Ben: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benyoman_/ Made of Many Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeofmanycoffee/ Connect more with Cat & Cloud: Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud webstore: catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for us to share our experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week we sit down to talk about new challenges as business owners, how we've utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2025

Just Say No – Telling guests what they don't want to hear by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

Questions Quick Fire – So much info in not a lot of time by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

Identifying What You Want – Growing your beliefs as your company grows by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

This week on the podcast is part 2 of the event we hosted with Cafe Imports at the 2025 Specialty Coffee Association Expo. In this episode the audience asks the panelist questions that most impact their day to day interaction with the coffee supply chain. Covering topics like communicating the cost of coffee to guest, how roasters come to the prices they set, and how roasters can work together to ensure producers have a place to tell the amazing coffees that they grow. There is a lot to digest no matter what part of the coffee world yo come from. Again, huge thanks to all the panelists who joined us and shared their expertise—and a special shoutout to Cafe Imports for organizing the event and inviting us to be a part of it. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Links – Connect with Cafe Imports: Website: https://www.cafeimports.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeimports/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cafeimports2617 Connect more with Cat & Cloud: Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud webstore: catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

This week on the podcast, we’re sharing the event we hosted with Cafe Imports at the 2025 Specialty Coffee Association Expo. The event brought together panelists from across the green buying side of the coffee industry to explore the complexities of this essential part of the supply chain. This portion of the conversation focuses on the C market, tariffs, and their impact on all aspects of the industry. Panelists share strategies like price averaging and direct trade contracts as tools for navigating a volatile market—highlighting the real-world effects on producers and roasters, from maintaining quality to managing risk and security in an unpredictable system. Huge thanks to all the panelists who joined us and shared their expertise—and a special shoutout to Cafe Imports for organizing the event and inviting us to be a part of it. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Links – Connect with Cafe Imports: Website: https://www.cafeimports.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeimports/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cafeimports2617 Connect more with Cat & Cloud: Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud webstore: catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

Road to Owner – Chucks journey to help start Cat & Cloud by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2025

What to Sell When You're Selling – How to think about wholesale by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

Spaces Make Places – Chatting about how a space looks and why it draws people in by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

Eyes On the Prize – How showing up today helps you tomorrow by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

It's Not So Black and White – Big money in small business by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

The Guests That Arn't Your Guest – Showing hospitality to everyone you encounter by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

The week we follow up with everyone’s favorite new topic, Tariffs. Specifically how this impact is similar to the record high of the C-Market from a month ago. Ultimately the conversation leads to how a change in consumer habits are what will ultimately make the change. Links from the show: Our new coffees – https://catandcloud.com/collections/featured-coffee The Hike: A Short Story About Connection – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvPcDv3pU7k RSVP to the Source: A Green Buying Panel happening at SCA in Huston Texas. www.eventbrite.com/e/source-a-gree…f=oddtdtcreator

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

RSVP to the Source: A Green Buying Panel happening at SCA in Huston Texas. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/source-a-green-buying-panel-tickets-1284924396459?aff=oddtdtcreator

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

In the Business of Experiences – A legacy can be anything as long as it’s memorable. by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Do Unto Others – Giving amazing service based on your own experience by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

Attention to Intention – Putting your focus on where it matters most by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2025

The Biggest Financial Impacts – Tips for having a business model that works by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Do it Now – When is the right time to start your own thing by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week Chris is sitting down with the rest of the Cat & Cloud Marketing Department to discuss the implications behind Starbucks recent Super Bowl commercial, “Hello There.” Listen to the full episode to hear their opinions on the illusive 4th Wave Coffee, and some hot takes on the intentions behind the commercial. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Hello There, Super Bowl Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPbsMJr5lr4 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2025

Training to Taste - Giving the tools to experience coffee by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2025

Questions About Culture by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2025

This week on the Podcast Chris and Chuck talk about what the C Market is, why coffee prices are at an all time high, and chuck shares his thoughts on why and how to get away from a market based approach to setting prices.

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2025

The Seven Steps - Ushering guests into the rest of their day by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2025

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! We’re throwing it back to early 2021 when Covid was still in full swing and the Cat & Cloud podcast was first being reintroduced to your ears. The episode we’ve chosen part of an interview Chris and Jared had with Kaila Hattis owner of Pacific Coast Therapy. Listen to this weeks episode to hear their conversation on what its like to become the person people look to for answers. Whether you’re a therapist, or a leader in your new business we hope this conversation provides some helpful insight! Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2025

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast and Happy New Year y’all! Have y’all ever struggled to get your pour over coffee juuuust right? Well not anymore. This week the podcast is a little bit different, Chris hopped on the mic to demystify the process for brewing you perfect pour over cup. Listen to this weeks full episode to get a little bit of history and Chris Baca’s perfect pour over recipe. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2025

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! We are starting off the year with a series of Episodes that we think are helpful, and this weeks episode is about cafe finances. Money can be a scary or mysterious topic, but as Chuck helps explain, it's possible to run a cafe in a way that doesn't only provide for the owner, but creates possibilities and careers for its team. In the episode Charles also mentions a breakdown sheet, and that is linked here: https://catandcloud.com/pages/gross-margin-category-margins-sales-mix Enjoy! Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen!

Transcribed - Published: 4 January 2025

Welcome to the first ever Central Coast Four Podcast! We have some exciting new voices on the Cat & Cloud podcast today. Three owners of our favorite central coast coffee companies; Brayden co-owner of 11th Hour Coffee, Evan of Calavera Coffee, and Tyler owner of Captain Stoker have joined Chris Baca on the mic to share their experiences in opening and leading their own companies. Listen to the full episode to hear “Central Coast Four” discuss how they’ve maintained their passion as their roles have changed, grown and taken on new forms. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Find our friends! Calavera Coffee: https://www.calaveracoffee.org/ 11th Hour Coffee: https://www.11thhourcoffee.com/ Captain + Stoker: https://captainandstoker.com/?srsltid=AfmBOook8s3nxm0LV0xVqgo8DmxA_zIWjGM0OgQMWgRAzjCVFkdfXBZd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 28 December 2024

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week we are back with the other half of our most recent origin trip to Colombia. This week Chris is sitting down 1-on-1 with Jorge Madrigal one of our most “highly decorated” team members. Over his 5 years with us he has held every role from FOH, BOH and even one in the roastery! Listen to this weeks full episode to hear about his experience on origin, how it changed his perspectives on coffee production and service. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 21 December 2024

Foundational Knowledge – A great place to start when starting something new by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

Dulce Venancio | Green Coffee Team Lead by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2024

Keeping the Outcome Front of Mind – Helping you do your work no matter how removed you are by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud podcast! This week the guys are discussing all things GCC (guest-coffee-cafe) and how to prioritize and create a stellar guest experience. As we’re nearing the end of the year we’re starting to think more about what we want to build in the coming years, listen to this weeks full episode to hear their thoughts on what’s going to be most important for us in 2025. Want to give our new Instant Coffee a try? https://catandcloud.com/products/swift-coffee-6-pack Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2024

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud podcast! This week we have all three owners back on the mic to take a wide look at how your personal goals can help guide your business, and how you are still a person with focus and desires outside of what you’re building. Listen to this weeks full episode to hear about our latest product launch, and their thoughts on setting personal and career goals that support each other. Want to give our new Instant Coffee a try? https://catandcloud.com/products/swift-coffee-6-pack Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2024

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud podcast! The case study series continues! This week on the pod Chris and Charles are covering another episode of the Acquired podcast, this time about the Blue Bottle Acquisition. Listen to this weeks full episode to hear about our relationship to Blue Bottle and some of the dichotomies between their beginnings and that of Starbucks. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2024

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud podcast! This week Chris and Charles are back to finish their discussion about Howard Schultz’s interview with the Acquired podcast. Listen to this weeks full episode to hear their take on the Starbucks anthology, and how they relate to Schultz’s story and complex experience opening and scaling the coffee company we know today! Listen to the full Acquired episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starbucks-with-howard-schultz/id1050462261?i=1000657758174 Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2024

Learning From Others - Insights from industry history by Cat & Cloud

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2024

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week Chris, Jared and Charles are sitting down to take the timeline of Cat & Cloud to Z. A couple weeks ago we started this process, sharing how a camping trip early on in the development of Trubaca helped make the cafes we love now a reality. This week the guys are walking us through how our Abbott Square came to be, and all the decisions that went in to making the call to expand! Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2024

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week Chris and Jared are sitting down at the mic to talk through what it would look like to perfectly mix your business with your personal passions. Is it enough to enjoy your job, or do people seek things that feel like a part of who they are? How do you optimize your resources to try and escape the financial trap that will eventually burn you out? Listen to this week's full episode to hear their thoughts and get a sneak peek at their ultimate passion-driven vision board. Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2024

We just turned 8 years old! September 30th marked the 8th year since the Portola Cafe first opened it’s doors. In honor of Cat & Cloud making it one more rotation around the sun, the guys are sitting down this week to piece together the fullest version of our history! Have you ever wondered when Cat & Cloud (Trubaca) was first conceptualized? If you’ve been hanging out with us through this journey, we think it’s about time to tell you how all this happened. Listen to this weeks full episode to hear the guys recap how a camping trip may have helped them take the leap that became the Cat & Cloud we know now! Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2024

The Cat & Cloud podcast is back and we’re bringing y’all some big news! If y’all have been following us a while then you’ve at least heard of the Best Friend’s Club and if you haven’t, this is the perfect episode for you. This week on the pod, Chris, Jared, and Charles are walking us through the history of the BFC, how it started, how it continues to grow, and finally introducing the Best Friends Blend! To continue expanding the reach of the BFC, we have decided to introduce the Best Friends Blend as our newest espresso offering. This blend will always include one of our BFC coffees, allowing us to vastly increase the amount of BFC coffee sold in our cafes—which means more money goes directly back into the lives of our producers. Give it a try! https://catandcloud.com/products/the-best-friends-blend 00:00 Best Friends Club 01:53 How it Started (unofficial) 06:18 How it Started (official) 11:44 It’s About Supporting a Community 15:14 Expanding the Club 17:35 It’s About Connection 31:56 Some of the Issues 35:52 The Best Friends Blend Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2024

Welcome back to the Cat & Cloud Podcast! This week Chris, Chuck, and Jared are sitting down to discuss how we find the drive and inspiration to operate a mission-driven company, and how we pass that passion on to our teams. A mission is just an idea unless your leadership sets the example, bringing it to life on the floor every day. Listen to this week's full episode to hear the guys discuss how we’ve created a common language, gauges for success, and how to find the drive in yourself every day to make an impact. 00:00 What is the focus of your work 08:42 How do you communicate and share your mission 14:21 Giving ourselves feedback 26:28 Finding solutions 29:23 Our mission outside of the cafes 34:00 Opportunities in the everyday things 40:31 Common language 44:45 What metrics do you use to gauge success 50:55 Connecting the ideas with the work 55:48 To compete or not to compete 1:00:46 You have to want it 1:08:46 Having an impact impact without a title 01:12:33 Sharing what you know Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Cat & Cloud: https://catandcloud.com/ Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: https://chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2024

Shorty, but a goodie. This week Jared and Chris Discuss what it takes to make an idea come to life. How it's truly something anyone can to, because its not about the steps you need to take, but rather the conviction to the idea. There are tools out there for any obstacle you face, but theres only one person that can bring your ideas to life. You. –––––––––––––––––– Do you have a question you’ve been dying to ask us? Do you wanna hear us talk about it on the podcast? Visit our website catandcloud.com/podcast, or email us at [email protected] and tell us what it is, and maybe your question will be the one we answer next week! Instagram: www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/Cat & Cloud: catandcloud.com/Chris Baca’s Personal Blog: chrisbaca.com/ We are Cat & Cloud Coffee. Started by three friends trying to pursue their passions with the mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences, and we created this podcast to continue forming those connections inside and out of our cafes. The Cat & Cloud podcast was created as a space for two of our founders, Chris Baca and Jared Truby, to share their experiences in the coffee industry and starting a business. Each week the guys sit down to talk about their new challenges as business owners, how they’ve utilize our mission and values to make decisions, and answer questions from our listening community. If you’re looking to expand your coffee knowledge, get some advice for your own small business, or just like the vibes, give us a listen! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2024