12/30/16

Like any businessman worth his salt, I like to start my mornings with a cup (or 5!) of coffee. I've been working in this industry for over 30 years, which means I have a huge head start on any millenials, and even Gen Xers, on the amount of coffee I've consumed. I've always had my interns keep a pot of Folgers ready at all times. It's classic, tastes great, and gives me the boost I need to deliver my clients results that make their heads spin. It's what my father and his father drank. However, this past week I had an eye-opening experience that's changed my outlook on coffee forever.

Some executives will send their interns on "coffee runs" from time to time. I've never believed in this - the interns are looking for any excuse to leave the office and use their cell phones. If they have time to go out and get coffee, then they're not busy enough, not even close. When an intern offers to go get me a coffee, I tell them to throw another pot on the burner then do some data entry or clean my office's bathroom. But last week, my good friend Buddy Brown decided to send his intern to Starbucks for a cup of joe. Since it was so close to Christmas, he thought it might be nice to throw the kid a bone and let him make a run. Buddy asked if I wanted anything, and I thought "Why not? Maybe it's time to see what this new Starbucks craze is all about."

45 minutes later, when Buddy's intern returned with a "Triple Venti Caramel Macchiato", I tasted something unlike any coffee I've drank before. The drink was sweet, bursting with rich flavor, and kind of fun to look at. I could really taste the craftsmanship and skill that went into making the coffee. Beyond the delicous flavor, this one cup of Starbucks coffee had me buzzing harder than a whole pot of my go-to Folgers. I had to pick up the phone and start working some leads right then and there! I had the lazy young intern go and get me another before I even finished the first. I can't wait to try out all of Starbucks' specialty drinks. I never thought I would say this, but I love craft coffee.

Now don't get me wrong, I'll always drink Folgers, the American classic. But every once in a while, if things are slow around the office, I'll be sending the interns to get me something a little more classy from Starbucks. Of course, since they're out of the office, any time they spend going to get it will be unpaid.