Meet Josh Maurer, Training Specialist
This month we’d like to introduce you to Josh Maurer. He’s always willing to lend a hand or lend an ear. If you can catch him in the cupping room first thing in the morning, you can count on a friendly conversation to start the day, and you’ll probably also walk away with a great cup of coffee.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Saint Louis Park, MN. I worked and lived in various places around the Twin Cities and joined the Army at 22 years old. I traveled around the world a bit, and then was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, just north of Baltimore MD for three years. I eventually worked my way back here to Minnesota.
Where do you live now?
Now I live in Prior Lake, MN. It still has that small-town country feel to it, but it’s thriving and growing at a very expeditious rate.
When did you first try Cameron’s?
I think I first tried it years back when I moved into the Cities. I grew up right near another local coffee company, and I tried Cameron’s because I wanted to give another local Minnesota coffee roaster a try.
What’s your favorite Cameron’s blend, and how do you like to brew it?
Pour over is definitely my preferred brew method. Organic Roastmaster’s Blend is a favorite, as well as Organic Pacific Rim.
What do you love about coffee?
Having two children and being in school full time, that it keeps me awake. I like the flavor nuances of different growing regions, and let’s be honest I enjoy the smell.
When did you start working at Cameron’s, and what do you do?
I started at Cameron’s in October 2017, as a Machine Operator, running the machine that makes our eco-friendly single serve pods. Then I moved up into a Production Supervisor position, where I ran a shift of about 30 people whose positions ranged from roasting, flavoring, grinding, packaging, and materials handler. Recently I transitioned into my current training role, where I’m creating and implementing new company training programs.
What’s your favorite part of working at Cameron’s?
Of course the people! The people, the culture, and access to unlimited amounts of caffeine. It’s also great working for a company that has the same values that I do.
What does your ideal Saturday morning look like?
To be honest it would be camping by a river, and having a cup of freshly hand-ground French Press coffee. Great way to start the day.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to run and hike, I’ve been putting in 20+ miles a week during the peak of summer. I read. I’m a prolific reader, that’s what happens when you have a librarian parent. I read a lot of history, historical fiction, and current events, and sometimes I will just read a classic for fun. I also like to cook and garden. I barbecue a lot, and I especially like cooking anything that I personally have grown. My current focus is learning to make Indian food.
Favorite place to grab food or drink?
Badger Hill is great for a beer. For lunch I like Thai Tempo, I’m in there 3 or 4 times a week. I’m also a big fan of Whiskey Inferno in Savage. They do a really good job on food – and on cocktails!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a paleontologist! I really liked dinosaurs and history.
Any other fun facts about you?
I apprenticed brewing beer for a year and a half, at Vine Park in St Paul. I was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), ie bomb tech in the Army. I was also part of the on-call EOD Team at the White House.
