I am a 5th generation Colombian specialty coffee farmer. I married a Canadian woman and moved to Whitby in 2013. For the past 8 years I have been importing coffee from my farm in Huila, Colombia and selling it to local roasters and members of the community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the father of 3 children aged 7, 5, & 2
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am so proud of the connection between 2 communities. Through the direct trade sale of my coffee, people here can enjoy an exceptional cup of coffee while helping to support a community of coffee farmers and their families in Colombia.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A Tavola Bistro & Copper Branch in Brooklin
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
nearly 8 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Tim Trebilcock of Trebilcock Coffee Roasters
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’d love to go on Safari in South Africa with my children
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Yellowstone with Kevin Costner – its very gripping
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always have a good attitude!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travelling the world
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Grupo Niche – a salsa group from Cali Colombia – they are amazing!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Chalo’s Coffee
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
The Pope – and I’d love to make him lunch in my home.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our community works together for the common good.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Selling my coffee across all continents
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I lived through many experiences in my life that many people only saw on the show Narcos.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The most beautiful place in the world for me is the mountain range where my coffee farm looks out onto.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love July when its nice and hot and all the flowers and fruits are ripe. But I love Christmas as a holiday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My Wife!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coffee
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, love and happiness
