Jason Dominy, coffee crusader
This is the first in a series about people who inspire me and who make me think. If you’re around me for long, you hear me talk about people who are genuine and authentic. They know who they are. They walk what they talk. And they’re just “good people.”
First up: Jason Dominy, a coffee-lover who passionately wants to teach people how to make and enjoy a great cup of joe.
Jason worked with Dilworth Coffee in Charlotte as their director of training and knowledge. He’s moving to Atlanta this week to work with Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters. He’ll be doing training, events, social marketing and wholesale support.
My first insight into Jason’s passion was the afternoon that he rushed into Amelie’s French Bakery. Someone had told him that Amelie’s coffee was the worst in the city and that people hated it. Little did that person know that Jason and Dilworth Coffee supplied the bakery’s coffee.
Jason teaches a home brewing class.
Jason grabbed a cup, sampled it and was perplexed. It’s fine, he said. I told him to consider the source. Maybe that person just got a random bad pot or their taste buds were dulled. Like Jason, Amelie’s takes it coffee seriously.
The next time came after a private cupping that Jason did for a secret coffee task force. We toured the roastery and got a little Coffee 101. Then we did the cupping. It was a great experience: warm, cozy, fun and educational.
Here’s the thing that blew me away (and I’m paraphrasing):
Me, thinking about a girls night out: “Jason, how much do you charge to do these cuppings?”
Jason: “Nothing. I do them for free. I just want to teach people about coffee.”
Me: “Seriously? In this economy?”
Jason: “It’s what I do.”
Simple but true.
The other thing I really like about Jason is his gratitude. He shares my belief that you have to be grateful for your blessings. And you should say thank you as often as possible.
Want more insight into Jason and his work at Dilworth? Dani Burns interviewed him for her blog.
Jason’s got a new Tumblr site, Musings of a Coffee Ragamuffin. And I follow him on Facebook and Twitter. One reason I love the internet and social media: This awesome person may be moving four hours away but he’s also right here.
Good luck, Jason! Cheers! *raises cup of Bali Blue Moon*
Thanks for the link & mention, Crystal! I wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts. When someone exemplifies what it means to be authentic and transparent, and he manages to grow a business in the process, then he deserves to be celebrated!
It’s nearly impossible to be around Jason and not share his excitement for his work. His love of coffee and community is contagious. He will be missed in the local food scene, but I know we’ll be hearing great things from him in the near future…
Can’t wait to read the rest of your series! Cheers!
Nice piece! Sounds like a guy who could actually get me to expand my horizons beyond office coffee.
Susan was doing an exercise with some other fiber artists in which they picked one word to motivate them in 2010, and she chose “authentic.” Everybody should aspire to follow their passion.
http://wwwbluemoonriver.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-word-for-2010.html
[...] more on Jason Dominy, check out Crystal Dempsey's post Authentic: Jason Dominy and Jason's blog Musings of a Coffee [...]
Incredibly humbled by these words. A good, fitting tribute to my time here in Charlotte. Many don’t know that I ended up here to open a coffeehouse with a church. That didn’t end up happening, so I made lemonade. And it’s been good lemonade. I am extremely thankful for all the really cool relationships I’ve made here, and will cherish them forever. Thanks to facebook, twitter and tumblr, we shall only be separated by distance. Again, thanks, I really am humbled.
This is a great idea, Crystal. Thank you for spotlighting cool people. And, while I’ve only met Jason the once, I agree that he’s pretty dang cool. I learned a lot during the super secret cupping dealio and now like to ask people, “Did you know Starbucks burns their coffee?” I’ve decided that’s why it makes my tummy ache.
Good luck to you in the ATL, Jason. I love that city and I’m sure you will, too. There’s a ton to do, plenty of outstanding people to hang with and lots of opportunity for a knowledgeable coffee dude like yourself.
And, thanks again for the coffee lesson.
~ Rhi b.