WILL FRITH
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Linkedin.com/in/willfrith/
PROFILE SUMMARY
People-oriented and results-driven executive with over 20 years of expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive coffee training programs, wholesale roasting operations, and building robust coffee cultures across multiple markets. Proven leader in driving quality improvements, setting up and supporting coffee businesses, and equipping teams with the necessary skills and tools to excel. Adept at overseeing the selection, installation, and continuous improvement of coffee equipment, green coffee, and roasted coffee profiles, with a strong focus on innovation, product development, and maintaining brand relevance. Recognized for excellence in quality control, team leadership, and operational efficiency, consistently delivering superior customer experiences and driving sales.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Coffee Training & Education: Expertise in designing and executing comprehensive training programs across diverse markets, enhancing skillsets of line and management staff.
Coffee Culture Development: Experienced in creating and implementing frameworks to foster and drive a strong coffee culture.
Quality Assurance & Improvement: Skilled in developing structures for measuring and enhancing coffee quality and consistency.
Equipment Selection & Maintenance: Proficient in sourcing optimal coffee equipment, with a focus on continuous improvement and a culture of technical expertise.
Product Development & Innovation: Track record of developing innovative coffee products for B2B and B2C markets, and retail environment solutions that align with brand identity
Strategic Leadership: Adept at leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and driving business growth through strategic planning and execution.
Supplier & Roaster Coordination: Competent in setting up and managing relationships with coffee sources, local roasters, and equipment suppliers, ensuring seamless operations across the supply chain.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Coffee Production and Roasting Equipment: Coffee Refractometer | Sample Roaster | Production Roaster| Roast Color Analyzer | Moisture Meter | Grind Size Analysis | Weigh | Fill | Bag Sealers | Diedrich Roasters | Probat Roasters
Software: Coffee Tools | Giesen Roast Profiler | Cropster | Artisan | Stronghold | Google Suite | Microsoft Office Suite | Zoho Inventory | CRM
Farm & Processing Equipment: Coffee Pulping Machine | Fermentation Tanks & Systems | Water Filtration | Mineralization Systems
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Concept and Design Consulting, Coffee Quality, Coffee Training, Cofounder | BEL
2021 – Present
Spearhead the development and optimization of bar flow, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction through expert consulting.
Innovate and craft compelling concepts and designs, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Orchestrate coffee establishments' strategic layout and installation, ensuring a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality for optimal business performance.
Navigate the realms of brewed coffee and retail, delve into farm and processing intricacies, and captivate a diverse audience of over 500 during a presentation at Re:Co 2022.
Pioneer the enactment of Coffee Vision initiatives, overseeing the end-to-end process from initiation to execution and ongoing maintenance, ensuring sustained success.
Organize and direct comprehensive training and coaching programs for baristas and service staff, adopting a culture of excellence and elevating service standards, while contributing to business success through technical research, development, quality control, and strategic business development activities.
Founder & Director | Building Coffee
2019 – Present
Lead the comprehensive design for a product assortment, managing 20+ coffees through the entire lifecycle, from sourcing to blend creation, and involved in QC/QA processes.
Deliver a compelling address to an audience of 300+ at World Coffee Leaders 2019, regulating valuation and physical analysis of brewed coffee, engaging in farm-level processing expertise, and using Zoho Inventory and CRM systems.
Deploy sample selection and conduct sample roasting, playing a pivotal role in the Coffee Quality Assessment, utilizing advanced techniques, including precision analysis with a Roast Color Analyzer
Achieve a 4x post-COVID revenue growth by implementing rigorous quality assessment of production coffees based on defined target profiles.
Design and implement curriculum for training programs, providing mentorship and coaching to junior staff, and spearheaded research initiatives, including data collection and analysis.
Mastermind business strategies for product and marketing, with administrative and financial oversight, contributing to annual demand planning and budget management.
Enforce SOPs for business and operations, equipment usage and maintenance, and safety and compliance, guaranteeing a streamlined and compliant workflow.
Provide business performance reporting, analyzing P&L, cash flow, operational efficiency, and manufacturing capacity for strategic decision-making.
Engineered evaluation protocols and quality systems in the laboratory, provided entrepreneurial mentorship, employed Coffee Tools, Giesen Roast Profiler, Cropster, Artisan, and Stronghold software
Regional Business Development - Guide, Facilitator, Enabler | Modbar LLC (La Marzocco)
2015 – 2018
Pioneered startup systems design, setup, and management, becoming the Modbar brand and product chief point of contact, mascot, and industry-facing leader.
Conducted product and market assessments, ensuring right-fit alignment with targeted sales goals while nurturing sustainable industry relationships, and established/moderated an Online User Network Community of 250+ end users.
Launched a thriving service provider and reseller network spanning 50 North American cities, traveling regularly to conduct user trainings, exceptional public-facing brand events, and tying Modbar product excellence to world-class customer success ethos.
Devised the coordination, logistical planning, and seamless execution of trade shows and events, showcasing an adept representation of the organization.
Director of Coffee | The New Black
2014 – 2015
Established and nurtured relationships with coffee suppliers and producers, contributing to an effective retail assortment curation.
Drove B2C business development and retail concept design and installation, expanding market reach and enhancing customer experiences.
Created brewing and extraction profiless, assessed programs, executed business systems, and orchestrated design, development, and launch of 4 retail outlets, handling sourcing, staff recruitment, training, and menu development.
Forged the conception of innovative menus, ensuring culinary excellence and customer satisfaction while selecting, executing, commissioning, and maintaining cutting-edge equipment.
Governed curriculum and training initiatives to elevate staff expertise, complemented by the design of efficient workflow systems and bars.
Cultivated a robust supplier network, optimizing relationships for smooth operations, while formulating and enforcing SOPs to uphold high standards and operational consistency.
Production Roaster & QC Manager | Olympia Coffee Roasting Company
2011 – 2014
Accelerated annual green coffee budget and sourcing plan from $50k to 200k in one year by planning, designing, and delegating research efforts, covering green, roasted, brewed, and espresso.
Managed the training program QC, overseeing equipment design, maintenance, and repair for Giesen, Diedrich, and Probat roasters.
Mastered the art of production roasting, excelling in the maintenance of Diedrich HR-1, IR-12, and Jabez-Burns Sample Roaster, assuring top-notch quality control, while serving as a vital assistant to the green coffee buyer.
Drove research and development initiatives, honing skills in barista training, and rendering expert wholesale client consulting and support.
Production Assistant, Barista Trainer, Assistant Roaster | Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters
2007 – 2011
Coordinate training & education departments across two locations, ensuring standardized on-the-bar QC and production equipment use.
Excelled in production operations and delivered impactful barista training to warrant skilled workforce.
Championed research and development initiatives, driving innovation and staying ahead of industry trends.
Controlled quality assurance measures, while offering high-quality products to exceed customer expectations.
Proved exceptional customer support and consulting services, forging strong client relationships and contributing to overall business success.
EARLIER CAREER EXPERIENCE
Barista | Mod Coffeehouse
2001 – 2004
Server | Yaga’s
1999 - 2002
Construction Worker | Various
1995-1999
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Literature
University of Houston-Clear Lake | Houston, TX | Jun 2004
HONORS & AWARDS
Sprudgie Awards | Outstanding Achievement | 2024
Re:co Summit | Main Stage Speaker | 2022
Sprudge 20 | Honoree | 2019
World Coffee Leaders | Featured Speaker | 2019
Production Roaster of the Year | Olympia Coffee | 2013
ORGANIZATIONS & AFFILIATIONS
Collaborator, Technical & Operational Consultant: Micro Wet Mill Project, Dalat, Vietnam | Present
Founding Member: Jungle Coffee Coalition, Southeast Asia, Online | 2021-Present; Ro/Ar Coffee Alliance, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 2019-Present
Project Lead: World Coffee Research On-Farm Trials, Dalat, Vietnam | 2018-2020
Trainer: The Workshop Coffee, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 2015-2021; Vietnam Coffee Republic, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 2015-2018; Bolaven Farms, Pakse, Laos, 2013; Temple Hills Coffee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 2012-2014
Barista & Roaster Trainer: La Viet, Dalat and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 2015-Present; [a] café, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 2013-2016; Eastgate Cafe, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 2013; Golden Bell Coffee, Dalat, Lam Dong, Vietnam | 2013-2015
Barista Trainer: Mod Coffeehouse, Galveston, Texas | 2012