February 2014 • www.specialty-coffee.com | 9
Herman puts that same careful planning into practice
when training his sta . And while he couldn't bring them
in for the homeschooling program, he took a page from that
curriculum and created a guide to grow fresh employees into
leadership roles.
"Our sta is by far the most important part of what we do
each and every day, that's why we put such a strong emphasis on
our hiring and training programs," Herman says. "Our recently
completed eld guide gives our sta a complete training guide
that takes them from day one all the way through becoming a
shi supervisor."
e sta even knows a little trick to keep their many
Canadian customers happy.
"Canadians are conditioned by a large national chain, Tim
Horton's, and a cappuccino is a drink that everybody drinks.
Well, a cappuccino in their country means nothing more than
latte," said Herman. "So once we gured out that they really
just want the latte, it's really easy.
e quality, the planning and the close community ties has
turned e Woods Co ee into a Whatcom County institution
that continues to expand throughout the state of Washington.
eir continued expansion surprises even Wes sometimes.
"It's kind of fascinating, if you took any other town in the
country, a small area like where we're in, it would just be
ridiculous to have as many co ee shops as we have," Herman
says. "But that's one of the blessings of being in the Northwest
with co ee." SCR
FAST FACTS
Equipment: Newova Semeneli Auralia I/II,
Nuova Simonelli Mythos Grinder,
Sabco Brewing Equipment, Diedrich Roaster,
Blendtec Blenders, SOTA Oven.
Biscotti
Gourmet
giorgiocookieco.com
877.668.2998
06-9 shop secrets SCR0214.indd 9 2/6/2014 12:04:37 PM
