60. The Untold Truth About “Direct Trade” Coffee with Juan Diaz of KWC
we sit down with Juan Diaz — Director of Nowhere Coffee based in Medellín, Colombia to unpack his incredible journey into the world of specialty coffee.Juan went from being a nursing student and line cook in Gainesville, Florida, to building a global coffee sourcing network that connects roasters, producers, and baristas across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
We dive into...
☕ How a chance encounter at a coffee cupping changed his life
🌎 The evolution of Nowhere Coffee from a Gainesville cafe to a worldwide sourcing powerhouse
💡 Why his “no-bullshit” approach to coffee sourcing sets him apart
🤝 The real meaning of direct trade, transparency, and working with “quality people”
🏍️ His passion for motorcycles, travel, and how that ties into his coffee journey
🏆 Lessons from competing on the national barista stage in both the U.S. and Colombia
If you’re a coffee professional, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about what it takes to change the game in specialty coffee, this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration.
👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Guess The Drip!
💌 Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLY
Get our personal coffee insights, brewing tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox every week...
