Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaiah Sheese.
Hi Isaiah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started in coffee about 20 years ago in Tulsa Oklahoma. Over the years I worked in various positions from being a barista, to trainer, quality control cupper, and green buyer. When my wife and I moved to Omaha it was time to either change careers or pursue my dream. So I took an accelerated business plan writing class. At the end of the course, I had a business plan. We moved in 2013 and I opened the first Archetype in 2014. I now have 3 locations and a roastery in the heart of Omaha. During that time I have been competing in the US Barista Championship placing 7th, 4th, and finally winning in 2023. Winning your country provides you the opportunity to represent your country at the World Barista Championship. In Athens Greece I placed 4th on the World stage. After 11 years of working an insane amount, my wife and I decided to move to Denver.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am not sure there is ever a smooth road when it comes to opening a small business. There have definitely been a lot of steep learning curves over the past 11 years. I opened a coffee shop because I am passionate about coffee and love all aspects from the farming, to processing, roasting, extracting, building a communities etc. In my naivete, I thought that passion would be my main focus. However, it wasn’t long before I was wearing quite a few other hats such as negotiating leases, marketing, accounting, HR, general contractor, repairman, and the list goes on. Even after learning to navigate all of these new skills and high stress, I never could have predicted the Pandemic. I thought that once we were over that huge 5 year hurdle things would get easier…that has not been the case.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Archetype Coffee we specialize in sourcing and roasting, delicious coffee that is traceable back to a farmer. We care intensely about every aspect of the craft. All of the people along the coffee chain are super important in helping us to achieve a superior end product. We are super proud of the success we have had in the coffee competitions over the years. It takes an immense amount of work to be successful on those stages, competing against some of the best in the world. That attention to detail and passion definitely sets us apart.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I can’t draw to save my life. I have always loved art, I am pretty good at pouring latte art, but somehow that doesn’t translate to drawing. I feel like my art skills stopped progressing after 4th grade.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.drinkarchetype.com
- Instagram: @isaiahsheese @archetyperoasters
- Facebook: @isaiahsheese @archetypecoffee
Image Credits
Josh Foo Photography
