52. Third Wave Coffee with First Wave Compassion: An interview with Clay Weigand of Bad Habit Coffee

The Coffee Experts Club Podcast

SUMMARY:

In this episode Aaron, Ben, and Drew sit down with Clay Weigand, a passionate coffee entrepreneur with an inspiring journey. Clay shares his story, starting as a 16-year-old at Dutch Bros, where he developed a deep appreciation for customer service and coffee culture. He recalls his nights on the graveyard shift, where his curiosity led him to dismantle coffee machines, dreaming of one day owning his own shop.

Clay’s journey took him from Dutch Bros to Good Bean in Jacksonville, where he was mentored by barista trainer Jake Tarando, deepening his understanding of the science behind coffee. His path then led him to Tennessee, where a chance encounter with a local roaster opened doors he never expected. Despite his youth and inexperience in business, Clay was offered an opportunity to take over a roastery, which he transformed into Bad Habit Coffee. He talks about the challenges of starting a coffee shop and the unexpected twists that led to its success.

The episode delves into Clay’s philosophy on coffee, from his Dutch Bros-inspired customer service approach to his third-wave coffee shop aesthetic. He shares his thoughts on small-batch roasting, community building, and the personal connections that coffee fosters. Clay’s story is one of passion, learning, and embracing opportunities, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the coffee industry or entrepreneurial journeys.

Minute by Minute:

0:00 Introduction

4:25 Clay’s coffee origins

13:16 A passion for roasting

17:31 From nerdy roaster to actual coffee expert

22:53 Is there still a place for small batch coffee for Clay?