RONAL HARVEY VALERO BALAGUERA
BARISTA CHAMPION OF COLOMBIA
Barista Mag: Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
Ronal: I studied to be a systems technician.
BMag: How did you get started in coffee?
Ronal: I was just looking for a job.
BMag: What was your first amazing experience with coffee?
Ronal: Sharing knowledge with coffee growers at a Cup of Excellence event.
BMag: Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
Ronal: I have had a lot of people help me to improve my performance.
BMag: What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?
Ronal: The interaction between growers and baristas should be stronger.
BMag: Name a coffee luminary (famous person) you would like to meet, and why:
Ronal: I would like to meet Tim Wendelboe. I like the way he trains baristas.
BMag: Name a barista you admire, and why:
Ronal: I admire Fritz Storm. He teaches the more important thing: the passion.
BMag: Besides your own cafe, what cafe do you think everyone should visit?
Ronal: The cafes belonging to the world champions. Certainly they should be the best.
BMag: Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
Ronal: Ethiopia because I would like to know about the true origin of coffee.
BMag: What are your interests outside of coffee?
Ronal: I like to play soccer.
BMag: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Ronal: Sharing this experience with my team.
BMag: Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
Ronal: First of all, God, and then all the people that helped me to do this.
