Ant Walach
Ant started their career out, as many in this industry do, as a barista. Their attention to detail and awareness of the need for individualized customer service propelled them to positions of management, café operations and leadership training roles.
Ant has multiple certifications from the Specialty Coffee Association of America and is certified to teach courses from their Level 1 Barista and Level 1 Roaster pathways. They enjoy the aspect of sensory skills and have honed their palate as Head of Roasting & Quality Control in their previous position. Ant has also been involved with judging US Coffee Competitions since 2013, their most recent role as Chair of the US Roaster Championship Competition Committee. Ant has been an active sensory and Head Judge for Brewer’s Cup and Roasters Championship, both at the regionals and National level, beginning in 2012. They also judged internationally as an observer judge at the 2013 Guatemala Cup of Excellence.
Ant enjoys working with clients to pinpoint their preferred learning style and needs to help make training sessions individualized and fun. This helps to ensure a higher level of retention of information. They are intent on becoming a mentor by example as a way to pay it forward for all the guidance they’ve received along the way in their career.
Rita Kaminsky
Rita has over 16 years of experience in the specialty coffee industry focusing primarily on operations management and training. She has also enjoyed positions on editorial advisory boards and contributing to product development projects. Since 2006, she has been involved with the Barista Competitions and has obtained experience as a judge and coach in the regional, national and international events. She currently sits as Chair of the US Coffee in Good Spirits Competition Committee.
Rita prides herself on making the environment around her more inviting, efficient and organized. After decades of management experience, she has mastered the ability to: successfully maintain cafes, retain happy employees and provide as positive and rewarding customer experience.
Her strengths lie in creating customized operating procedures and coordinating the multiple variables of running a business. From building training guides to helping you troubleshoot equipment problems, Rita is well versed in the industry and looking to assist you toward your business goals. It is a delicate balance for café owners to provide exceptional quality in beverages and service to their customers. Rita is excited to share her knowledge and experience on how to become more systematic and prosperous.