Baristas Rule The World: Arturo Mandujano Jr.
Education Lead at MoonGoat Coffee
Who: Arturo Mandujano Jr. (he/him)
What: Education Lead at MoonGoat Coffee
Where: Orange County, California
Years in the industry: 8
Fav Ninja Turtle: Michaelangelo
Connect: @arturomandujanojr on Instagram or check out the Community Orchestra: @ocofoc
R!WC: How would you describe what you do?
ARTURO: I help bridge the gap between the intangibility of providing great service through the medium of specialty coffee.
R!WC: What is the best thing about your job?
ARTURO:Staff development and creating memorable connections.
R!WC: What is the worst thing about the job?
ARTURO: Measuring the intangibles.
R!WC: Do you have a first memory of when coffee became something more important to you?
ARTURO: Yes, actually. This memory comes from my days working for Starbucks. I was completing the Starbucks Coffee Master Program, and I gave my certification presentation. I finished and shook hands with my audience, and I was given compliments and praise because I had passed my certification.
I received a customary all-black apron with the Starbucks logo on it. Even though I didn't have detailed information, like I can access now, about farms or variety or information traceability, etc. For the first time, I felt like I was representing something other than myself. I felt like I was connected to a bigger community of service-minded individuals trying to make sense of a complicated agricultural product that serves as the vessel for connection and inspiration across the globe.
R!WC: What have you learned about life from working in coffee?
ARTURO: I've learned a couple things. First, connection is the foundation of our day to day, and it plays an important role in who we are and what motivates us. Second, that intangibles are more tangible and measurable than we will ever know.
R!WC: If you could share one piece of advice to a new barista, what would it be?
ARTURO: Trust the process and be passionate about what you uniquely bring to your local coffee community. That way, you can inspire others on a greater scale and bring nuance to your cafe and city.
R!WC: When you aren't at the coffee shop/roaster/etcetera, what are you doing in life? Who are you?
ARTURO: If I am not doing coffee stuff, I am hanging out with my girlfriend Hayley and our dog Leopold. Also, I play Viola for the Orchestra Collective of Orange County (OCofOC)!
R!WC: What is your favorite way to drink coffee?
ARTURO: Espresso or Filter
R!WC: What is your favorite coffee drink to make?
ARTURO: Espresso
R!WC: Is there anything else you'd like the world to know?
ARTURO: Everyone in coffee: We have such a unique opportunity to make or break someone's day every single day. All of these small moments seem fleeting, but [they] make such a lasting impact when we are serving our communities. Next time you are behind a counter or servicing a wholesale partner, make a genuine connection with them and set out to be consistent with your intentions in all of your interactions. Try to set an example within your community of genuine connection and inspiration to better serve everyone.
R!WC: Are there any other coffee businesses/baristas you'd like to shout out?
ARTURO: I'd love to shout out Coffee Parlor in Long Beach, CA! They are an understated and unique cafe model that has incredible food and beverages all day, every day!
I would love to shout out Mikee Alcoran. He's currently at Dayglow Coffee in LA. I met Mikee back in 2018-ish? [He is] an incredible person, service forward, and the biggest heart for people and coffee.
Arturo was recommended for Baristas Rule the World by former R!WC podcast guest David Yardley. Check out that episode at the link below.
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