Zack Burnett: Deeply Immersed In Bold Coffee

Imagine a world where your morning coffee is more than just a quick caffeine fix. What if it could be an experience that connects you to the rich complexity of its flavors and the global community from which it originates? What if every sip could feel like a warm embrace, inviting you into a story that spans generations and continents?

Specialty coffee enthusiast Zack Burnett dives into his lifelong relationship with coffee, which began alongside his father with the inception of Bold Bean Coffee. He shares his journey from novice to master roaster, emphasizing how creating authentic experiences and fostering community are at the heart of his business. By focusing on the continual refinement of their product, Zack shares how they've established Bold Bean Coffee as a leader in the specialty coffee world, offering a broad palette of flavors and experiences that cater to both the connoisseur and casual drinker.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Zack Burnett, Co-founder of Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, about the meticulous craft of roasting and the culture of coffee. Zack shares his journey into the coffee world, growing a community-centric and quality-obsessed coffee brand, selecting coffee partners, the evolution of coffee trends, and the enduring importance of barista-customer relationships.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • [2:07] Zack Burnett shares how he got into the coffee world and the genesis of Bold Bean Coffee Roasters

  • [4:48] The importance of community in coffee shops

  • [6:53] What values are crucial when selecting coffee partners?

  • [9:54] Zack talks about the impact of continuous improvement in the coffee industry

  • [12:01] Insights on making the specialty coffee experience less intimidating

  • [16:54] The emerging coffee trends that excite Zack

  • [20:45] The significance of good content in the coffee industry

  • [27:31] The future of Bold Bean Coffee 

About Zack Burnett

Zack Burnett is the Co-founder of Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, a wholesale coffee roaster focused on sustainable supply chains, purposeful roasting, and value-added service and support. With nearly two decades of experience in the coffee industry, his journey began unexpectedly when his father proposed starting a small coffee roastery, igniting his enduring passion for specialty coffee. Zack has mastered multiple facets of the business, from roasting and quality control to green coffee sourcing and café management. Under his stewardship, Bold Bean Coffee Roasters focuses on sustainability, relentless improvement, and deep connections with coffee suppliers and the community. His approach embodies the essence of driving a continuous quest for excellence.

Quotable Moments:

  • "Coffee just serves as that catalyst for connections."

  • "Coffee is more than just a product; it is something that connects people and really brings people together."

  • "We can make them the best cup of coffee possible, but if that experience isn't good, then that great cup of coffee doesn't even matter."

  • "People connect with experiences much more than they connect with some bean juice in a cup."

  • "We're not using social media as a platform to sell things to people, but to let people know the personality of the business."

Action Steps:

  1. Embrace the process of continuous improvement in your business: Continual refinement leads to better products and services.

  2. Foster a positive and inclusive community in your company: Zack's emphasis on customer experience shows how treating everyone with warmth can build a loyal and engaged customer base.

  3. Explore and cultivate direct consumer relationships: Inspired by Bold Bean's success with direct online sales, focusing on direct-to-consumer options can create new avenues for growth.

  4. Create an authentic social media presence that reflects your company's personality: Using social media to communicate your values and culture can enhance brand loyalty.

  5. Prioritize sustainability in product sourcing and business operations: Committing to environmental and economic sustainability can ensure longevity and a positive impact on your business.

Duncan Alney