STEFAN LAURENTIU
BARISTA CHAMPION OF ROMANIA
Barista Mag: Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
Stefan: Before coffee I worked as a assistant manager at Mr. Bricolage. I high school I studied mathematics and in college I studied marketing and international business economics.
BMag: How did you get started in coffee?
Stefan: At Gloria Jeans. It was the first place where I worked with coffee.
BMag: What was your first amazing experience with coffee?
Stefan: When I roasted coffee for the first time, I realized that coffee was amazing.
BMag: Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
Stefan: My trainer, because she has patience!
BMag: What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?
Stefan: After I won this championship, I realized that I want to help baristas to learn about coffee. That is why I will volunteer for SCAE Romania to promote the culture of coffee in my country.
BMag: Name a coffee luminary (famous person) you would like to meet, and why:
Stefan: Sonja Grant because she is the most passionate person in the coffee industry.
BMag: Name a barista you admire, and why:
Stefan: Petra Vesela, because she is one of the nicest people I have heard about!
BMag: Do you have a favorite customer? If so, tell us about him or her.
Stefan: David Alkaabaar, one of the most interesting people I have met. He is a diplomat.
BMag: Besides your own cafe, what cafe do you think everyone should visit?
Stefan: Tailor Made in Athens, Greece.
BMag: Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
Stefan: Ethiopia, because it is the birthplace of coffee
BMag: What are your interests outside of coffee?
Stefan: Reading and making people happy …with alcohol!
BMag: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Stefan: Having my own micro roastery!
BMag: Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
Stefan: My family, my trainer, and my friends! Everyone helped me with something!
