Team Members
Monica Tirre
Bakery Manager
How long have you been in the industry?
- I've been in various parts of the sugar world for almost 15 years now.
What's your preferred coffee beverage?
- My professional coffee peers might shutter at this but an oat milk mocha latte (hot or iced) is my comfort drink!
Who have you looked up to in the industry?
- My former coworkers/managers who have provided a kitchen work environment that was not the traditional, toxic space. It kept me from getting jaded about working in the food industry!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
- In my spare time I like to be smothered by my dog, hike, listen to silly podcasts, and watch movies.
What's one fun fact about you?
- I recently went to my 40th state which was North Dakota and it was surprisingly stunning.
David Varwig
Shaw General Manager
How long have you been in the industry?
- 7 years
What’s your preferred coffee beverage?
- Pour Over
Who have you looked up to in the industry?
- Victoria Herndl of Kaffeelix, Elysia Tan of Homeground, Emi Fukahori of MAME, and Olinka and Diana Velez of Finca Chorora and Yambamine
What do you like to do in your spare time?
- Smoke cigars, drink scotch, and hang out with friends
What’s one fun fact about you/your life?
- I've seen a Blue Whale and a Whale Shark in real life!
Kiri Hearn
Head Roaster
How long have you been in the industry?
- Off and on for 16 years
What’s your preferred coffee beverage?
- Cortado sidecar with oatmilk
Who have you looked up to in the industry?
- Miki Suzuki, for shaking things up with humility and her willingness to play with coffee standards!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
- Aside from spending time with my cats: antiquing/thrifting, gardening, watercolor painting, and streaming video games online!
What’s one fun fact about you/your life?
- I used to work in Makeup Fx and Costuming for some big Hollywood productions, so I bring my A-game to Halloween parties.
Hailey Wolfe
Oakland General Manager
How long have you been in the industry?
- 7 years
What’s your preferred coffee beverage?
- Hot Latte
Who have you looked up to in the industry?
- Olinka and Diana Velez of Finca Chorora and Yambamine
What do you like to do in your spare time?
- Try new cooking recipes, hang out with my cat, and play video games.
What’s one fun fact about you/your life?
- I’m the oldest of five. My youngest sibling is 21 years younger than me.
Stevie Ellis
Oakland Assistant Manager
How long have you been in the industry?
- 4.5 years
What’s your preferred coffee beverage?
- Hand brew with a side of ‘spro
Who have you looked up to in the industry?
- My peers honestly; seeing people being passionate about coffee and being able to have direct access to education and knowledge along with first hand experiences.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
- I paint, do yoga, bake and cook, travel, listen to dark history and mystery podcasts.
What’s one fun fact about you/your life?
- I have 25 tattoos
Alexa Drouin
Shaw Assistant Manager
How long have you been in the industry?
- 5 years
What’s your preferred coffee beverage?
- Oat Milk Cortado!
Who have you looked up to in the industry?
- Working at Comet has completely opened my world to all sorts of great people and coffee, the standout at the moment for me being September Roasting Company - I still dream of the Buttercream espresso we had on feature!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
- I'm always interested in picking up another hobby, but currently I enjoy reading, gardening, and mending/repairing clothes.
What’s one fun fact about you/your life?
- I got bit by a copperhead snake on the foot and had to hike with crutches because of it.