Behind the Beans: Nadine Brucker, Cumpa
About “Behind the Beans”
In this issue, we take a look behind the scenes with Nadine Brucker, Process & HR Manager at cumpa. Nadine came to cumpa through a long-standing friendship and has been bringing heart and structure to the team ever since. She has had a passion for specialty coffee for a long time: it all started with a trip with Lukas through Colombia’s coffee regions over ten years ago. Today, she is inspired by the depth of the product, the stories behind each bean, and the potential to connect people through coffee.
Interview with Nadine Brucker, Cumpa
What is your relationship with cumpa?
Working with and in friendship. I joined the company about a year ago through my friendship with Lukas and have been working with my team ever since on a professional but also friendly level. I originally come from the HR/recruiting sector and at cumpa I also take care of everything related to team and organizational development, as well as internal processes and our digital workflows. A lot happens behind the scenes. I try to make sure that everything runs smoothly, that the team has everything they need, and that we can grow as a company.
How did you get into the coffee industry?
Because of Lukas – and good timing. We know each other through friends from university and ended up visiting a coffee plantation in Colombia together over ten years ago. We stayed in loose contact, then got closer again later in Leipzig, and when the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance – into a new role that is perfect for me because it combines many of my strengths and interests.
What do you like about the specialty coffee industry?
The passion for the product, the appreciation for the people behind it, and the international spirit. There are so many topics and areas of expertise to discover, and with a small, inspiring, and motivated team, it’s just a lot of fun!
What do you want to achieve with coffee?
Connecting people. Creating perspectives. Telling stories that give the product and the people behind it the attention they deserve. I also like the idea that everyone involved experiences real added value, not only economically, but also on a human and culinary level.
What does (specialty) coffee mean to you?
A product with depth, full of stories and character. For me, specialty coffee means conscious consumption and the opportunity to raise awareness of quality and origin.
What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you with coffee?
That I now work with a good friend in the industry, with whom I traveled through coffee regions over ten years ago without a plan. If someone had told us that back then…
Which coffee prejudice would you like to dispel?
That dark Italian espresso from a portafilter machine is the ultimate. Good coffee is all about different flavors and variety. Anyone who really knows coffee quickly realizes that there is so much more to it!
Which coffee highlight are you currently looking forward to the most?
Here’s to another year full of progress and surprises. For me, no two days are the same at cumpa, and that’s exactly what I love about my role. I’m constantly developing through my work and with my team, and somehow every little step forward, every new tool, every productive meeting is a highlight for me.
