Connect Roasters Team Spotlight: Jordan Bergren

Jordan Bergren is a man of many talents.

A Specialty Coffee Association-certified roaster, Jordan spends much time working next to our Diedrich IR-12 ensuring that each pound that goes in and out of the machine is roasted to our standards and those of our customers.

But the value Jordan brings to our team extends well beyond roasting. Jordan plays an integral role in our quality control and is an expert when it comes to espresso and espresso machines. He's also passionate about education and is laying the foundation for what will become Connect's coffee education programming. 

What first got you interested in coffee?
I began my coffee drinking habits at a young age while living in Guatemala with my family. At first, I drank it because of the cultural standard in Guatemala, but I got into specialty coffee four or five years ago. That is when I began to learn things like the pour over brew method. I started roasting with a friend and even created a roasting business and ministry while living in Cambodia.

What part of coffee roasting do you find the most interesting?
I like how you can highlight different parts of coffee. There is so much to learn. It is a science and an art.

What’s something you have learned about coffee roasting in the last year?
I have never used such a large roasting machine before joining the Connect Roasters team. There is access to data and new technologies that help me gage the proper airflow, moisture and other variables.

If you could drink just one coffee for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Espresso, hands down.

What hobbies do you spend time on outside of coffee?
I have been baking a lot of sourdough lately. It is something that I really like, though I don’t think I will ever go as deep into baking as I have into coffee.

What book have you read recently that you would recommend to others
Eugene H. Peterson’s novel "The Pastor: A Memoir."

If you could travel to just one place that you have never been to, where would it be?
I would have to say Italy, although traveling to see the Northern Lights would be amazing.

What are some facts about you that most people would not know?
I come from a family of Eagle Scouts. I am bilingual in English and Cambodian and I like to listen to Josh Garrels. One of my lesser known secrets is that I was once able to solve a Rubik’s Cube in 52 seconds.