Meet Ben Davis | Coffee Equipment Service Tech and Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I have worked as a Coffee Equipment Tech since 2016 in about every version possible. I worked for a local coffee roaster (Boxcar Coffee Roasters), which is where I learned how to be a tech. In 2020 when COVID hit, I was understandably let go, took a little time to look around me and see what the next path was going to be. I decided in late 2020 to keep doing tech work but start my own business doing it. At that point I knew a fair amount about this skillset, but nothing about being a business owner, especially a single person business. I continued on for a couple years, but recognized that I was not able to run it in the way I wanted. I just waiting for business to come, wasn’t confident in my skills and knowledge, and made a decision to leave the business and work in industry to grow my confidence. I worked for two of the biggest names in coffee (La Marzocco and Espresso Parts). I moved from CO to Seattle, WA and my time at La Marzocco was incredible. I was able to be surrounded by some of the most brilliant tech minds. Espresso Parts taught me about a smaller business mind, equipment sales, and a little about how not to do things. With all of that my time at Espresso Parts ended as I was suddenly feeling undervalued, and over experienced. In the midst of all of this my wife and I had our first child while living in Ohio (where I grew up). We made the big decision to move back to Boulder, CO and go full in with my business. So in March 2024, Five Acre Coffee Techs went through a small rebrand and big steps forward. I have spent the first few months rebuilding my network, securing a workshop location and collaboration inside The Coffee Ride roastery, and being the business owner and service tech that I had previously thought was unreachable, by me. So I can now confidently say that because I gave up then, it actually helped me to keep going now. We need to make hard decisions if we are not aligned to our selves and what feels right.

What should our readers know about your business?
Five acre coffee techs is all about collaboration and bringing the best honest service to coffee businesses and home users. I have also evolved this business into something more than just service. I provide training on tech, equipment and coffee skills. I conduct consultations for businesses and home customers looking to open a new space or upgrade what they have. I also have wholesale pricing on most of the biggest names for equipment with the knowledge and experience to help you pick the exact fit for your needs. I really want to be able to give customers the full experience and expertise around coffee so they feel like they have the support to fulfill their cafe dreams or just to make a great cup of coffee in the morning. One of the main things that allows me to stand out is my experience in industry, especially while at La Marzocco, my personal skills and relationship with the coffee community in Boulder, and my very honest approach to customer communication. This was definitely not an easy path, especially the first time around. I am finding my way through the challenges in my business now which largely stems from personal confidence that has been built up through the years. The other biggest motivator now is my family. This business is to support our life so the pressure is on to do it well and do it smart. No matter how hard it gets, I will keep going forward, I will keep growing and learning, there is no more stepping away, it only forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost, we are taking a hike, likely up Sanitas, to the Anne White Trail, or along the Mesa Trail. After wards we would swing by The Coffee Ride and enjoy a coffee sitting outside at the picnic table, then to Blackbelly for some sandwiches. Enjoy some time at North Boulder park, throw a fisbee and run around with our children. Finish with some unique food truck food and fantastic drinks at the rayback.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout has to go to Boxcar Coffee Roaster, and specifically the owner Vajra Rich and my co tech at the time Scott Spanbauer. I had little experience but they took a chance with me and taught me the foundation of everything I know now. Through my time there I learned about equipment, business, coffee, and personal life skills. Things that truly allowed me to be where I am today.

Website: https://www.fiveacrecoffeetechs.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiveacrecoffeetechs/

Image Credits
Josh Vertucci