With more than a decade of professional coffee experience, Raina is not only an exceptional barista, but also a master when it comes to coffee logistics, communication, relationships, and organization.
Learn what it means to be a Business Development Director by reading Raina's interview below!
What is your role at Partners?
Hi! I’m the Business Development Director here at Partners Coffee. Which can mean a variety of things, but I primarily focus on our wholesale program and grocery & distribution growth.
How long have you worked in coffee?
Been here at Partners for about 11 years now and in coffee for longer than that.
What was your first memorable specialty coffee experience?
There was a Honduran coffee back in my early coffee days that had the flavor note “Cherry Pixie Stick” listed on it. I was intrigued that someone could list such a fun flavor as a descriptor, and it was also my first “got it!” moment where I could really taste that distinct flavor and how someone got to it. It made me really start rethinking how I taste coffee and utilizing foods and flavors I know as a guiding principle towards how I describe flavor notes.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I usually keep it pretty low-key when I’m outside of work, mostly playing video games, watching anime, reading, or spending lots of time spoiling my Sphynx cat. And in the past few years I’ve gotten really into board game nights with friends.
Where are you from?
Born and raised in New Jersey.
What is your go-to coffee order?
I love a whole milk cortado.
What place is on your travel bucket list?
Japan! It’s been on my list for a long time. Over the years, I’ve been adding to my list of places and things to do in Japan so that when I am ready to go, I’ll have a full agenda.
Any book recommendations?
I’m currently on Book 2 of the Dungeon Crawler Carl audiobook, which is so fun! Matt Dinniman is an amazing writer, and Jeff Hays does a phenomenal job in voice acting the different characters. If you are into Literature RPGs or a more action-packed read, then this book series is for you.
Favorite quote?
“So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” - Gandalf (LOTR, Fellowship of the Rings)
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