Baristas Rule The World: Trevor Ridgaway
Ascend Roasters in San Marcos, CA
Who: Trevor Ridgaway (He/Him)
What: Shift leader
Where: Ascend Coffee Roasters, San Marcos, CA
Years in the industry: 1 years
If He Were A Ninja Turtle He Would Be: Michaelangelo
Connect: @AscendRoasters on Instagram
R!WC: How would you describe what you do?
Trevor: I try to spread the good vibes by making our community tasty food and fresh coffee.
R!WC: What is the best thing about your job?
Trevor: I absolutely love making connections and hearing stories from our customers.
R!WC: What is the worst thing about the job?
Trevor: The worst thing about my job can be the lack of A/C during the hot summers. Though suffering with the rest of our team in the heat makes it a bit better, knowing everyone is pushing through the same struggles in order to reach our goals.
R!WC: Do you have a first memory of when coffee became something more important to you?
Trevor: I actually didn't even like coffee when I found the job! I loved tea but, as soon as I started to see peoples day relied on the coffee we were giving out, I wanted to understand and perfect the drinks I was making.
Ascend Roasters recently (like, really recently) opened a second cafe location in the La Costa neighborhood of Carlsbad, CA. You can read all about it in the blog post on the Ascend Roasters coffee blog.
R!WC: What have you learned about life from working in coffee?
Trevor: So much! I think my biggest lesson was that everyone views life differently. The way I live is great for me but not necessarily good for someone else. Some people like simple coffee and others like fancy latte's. As long as I can accept that people's views are different from mine, it's much easier to listen and be understanding of others. Plus you learn more if you listen!
R!WC: If you could share one piece of advice to a new barista, what would it be?
Trevor: Be patient with yourself and keep pushing, even if your shots don't pour right. You'll eventually find the right technique.
R!WC: When you aren't at the coffee shop/roaster/etcetera, what are you doing in life? Who are you?
Trevor: I love to play guitar and trumpet. Also on Fridays, I host DnD and Cyberpunk table-top role-playing games with my best friends! I also go on hikes and bike rides all the time.
R!WC: What is your favorite way to drink coffee?
Trevor: 20oz Cold Brew all day. Perfection.
R!WC: What is your favorite coffee drink to make?
Trevor: I love making cappuccinos! Getting the frothed milk just right with no bubbles is so satisfying.
R!WC: Is there anything else you'd like the world to know?
Trevor: We're all mad here! Respect each others craziness and listen more than you talk.
Trevor was recommended by former R!WC podcast guest Erin Harper, Founder of Ascend Coffee Roasters in San Marcos, CA. Check out the episode she appeared on at the link below.
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