Meet The Trainers

Alterra Coffee Roasters is fully equipped with two well-seasoned, veteran baristas who lead our barista training program.

Justin Teisl

Justin has worked as a barista for Alterra since 2001. He spent his first year working in Alterra's kiosk in the original Bayshore Mall as part of a high school program that offered school credit to students working during part of the school day. This excuse to leave school early proved to be a lucky move for Justin, as he quickly realized that coffee was more exciting than he was prepared for. He jumped on the opportunity to move down to the Lakefront café when it opened in 2002, knowing it would be a fast-paced and challenging place to swim in coffee. Working in the city's busiest café gave Justin endless opportunities to improve his game and further his quest to conquer the espresso process. His success with his position here allowed for his transition into the role of barista trainer in 2006, when Justin teamed up with Scott Lucey to revamp and update the Alterra barista training program. The role of trainer occupies the majority of Justin's work week, but he can still be found rocking the never-ending line of drinks every Sunday morning at the Humboldt café.

Scott Lucey

Scott began his time with Alterra Coffee Roasters in 2001, working behind the bar at the Alterra's Prospect café. The café, which also houses Alterra's roasting and warehouse operation, was the perfect environment for this budding interest in all things coffee. Scott developed his skills on the espresso machine and established his role as a coffee leader within the company. With a couple years' experience, Scott got a taste of the national barista community. "I went to a Barista Guild of America jam down in Chicago. It was amazing; there I was getting to know fellow baristas from all over, most of them competitors who I've been admiring through articles and online postings. Side by side I was pulling shots and pouring latte art with the likes of a USBC champion! I couldn't believe it!," says Scott about this experience. Coming back home fueled with coffee passion, Scott put the world of barista competition on his radar as he stepped into the training department at Alterra.