Woods Coffee

The Woods Coffee was established in 2002 by the Herman family of Lynden, Washington with the first coffee shop on Bender Road. Since then, they have continued on a steady growth pattern. There are currently seventeen stores, and our own bakery making...

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Head to the Woods for the Holidays

It’s that time of a year again when twinkling lights and festive wreaths blanket the city and holiday music rings out of car stereos.

You know what that means! It means we have a variety of festive items to brighten your celebrations.

Over the River and to the Woods

For our holiday merchandise, we have our “Over the River and to the Woods” series which you will find on the shelves marked with a vibrant red and white design. It includes a cheery, red Over the River Mug and our medium roast Holiday Blend, as well as our new items making an appearance for the first time this year; a wooden Christmas ornament and our first coffee infused chocolate bar.

For the first time in the history of Woods Coffee, we have combined our Woods Blend roast with a decadently smooth dark chocolate to create a magically rich combination. Visit your favorite Woods location and keep an eye out for the delicious treat.

We’ve also released a clean matte black Midnight Bear Mug, a navy blue crewneck with an outline of Washington State on the upper back, and our new Heritage Cap marked with a classy leather Woods Coffee logo.

Gift cards always make their way around during the holidays, so why not accompany the gift card with a beautifully crafted letterpress card?

As another Woods first, we released these special cards to be sold with our Woods Cards as the perfect holiday duo. The cards are also locally printed on cotton paper, using vegetable-based ink.

Be sure to make your way to any of our Woods Coffee locations this holiday season to get a first-hand look at all of our new items before they’re gone.

There’s sure to be something for everyone on your list!

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Woods Coffee Opening First Canadian Location in Early 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Wes Herman Owner, The Woods Coffee Phone: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]

Woods Coffee Opening First Canadian Location in Early 2016 Woods Coffee partnering with Shato Holdings Ltd. to bring a Northwest-inspired coffee shop to Tsawwassen Springs

Bellingham, WA—November 10, 2015— With 17 locations in Washington State, Woods Coffee today announced plans to expand into Canada. The company is partnering with Shato Holdings to open its first Canadian coffee shop in Tsawwassen, British Columbia. The newest Woods Coffee will open its doors in early 2016 at the Tsawwassen Springs Golf Club.

“Our first coffee shop opened just miles from the Canadian border in 2002, and we still have plenty of regular Canadian customers who frequent all of our Skagit and Whatcom County locations today,” said Wes Herman, Woods Coffee Owner. “Opening a Woods Coffee in Canada, and especially at Tsawwassen Springs, with all that is going on there, is a natural fit.”

Known for its ownership of White Spot and Triple O's, Shato Holdings is currently under construction on the Tsawwassen Springs Woods Coffee location.

“We took a long time to decide on the right coffee concept for our Tsawwassen Springs resort community,” said Ron Toigo, Managing Director of Shato Holdings. “We could not find a concept in this market that had the drive-through system with the quality and ambience of The Woods Coffee. This coffee concept is second to none and fits in well at Tsawwassen Springs, which is quickly being recognized as one of the best places to live in the Lower Mainland.”

Woods Coffee will maintain its signature Northwest feel as it expands north. Tsawwassen customers will enjoy a drive-through feature for coffee on the go, along with an indoor fireplace around which guests will enjoy Woods-roasted coffee and made-from-scratch baked treats.

“We are honored to be working with Ron and his associates, who have a proven track record and know hospitality,” said Herman. “There’s no doubt they will be able to carry on the much-loved Woods culture in B.C.”

Tsawwassen is a suburban community on a peninsula in the Lower Mainland (Delta Municipality), with road access to Point Roberts, Washington. More details on the Woods Coffee at Tsawwassen Springs location, including hours of operation, will be announced closer to its opening.

For more information on Woods Coffee, visit www.WoodsCoffee.com, check out the company’s Facebook page, or call 360.933.1855.

About Woods Coffee

Woods Coffee was established in 2002 by the Herman family of Lynden, Washington. With a dream of starting a chain of coffee shops, the Herman family pooled their talents and resources to create their first Woods Coffee shop. Today, 13 years later, the company has a total of 17 locations in the Pacific Northwest; offers its own line of fresh, in-house baked goods; roasts all of its own coffee; and offers an exclusive compost-a-cup brand of compostable cups. In addition, the company uses sustainable design and building practices, using LEED® standards where possible. For more information on Woods Coffee, please visit www.WoodsCoffee.com, or call 360.933.1855.

About Tsawwassen Springs

Tsawwassen Springs is comprised of 490 freehold residences, including 194 single-family homes and 296 condos, surrounded by a new championship golf course; mountain and water views; and high-end amenities. Tsawwassen Springs amenities include the 6,300 square foot Springs Ballroom; Pat Quinn’s 240-seat Restaurant and Bar; a new fitness centre; on-site physio therapist; a wellness centre that includes Pilates and yoga; and a specialty grocer and meat shop, all surrounded by a new championship 18-hole, par-70 golf course.

For more information on Tsawwassen Springs, please visit www.TsawwassenSprings.ca, call 604.948.1533, or e-mail [email protected].

About Shato Holdings Ltd.

Shato Holdings Ltd. is a family-owned-and-operated private company. Founded in 1969 by Peter Toigo, Sr., the company has its roots in Tsawwassen, where Managing Directors Ron Toigo and Peter Toigo, Jr. live and raised their families. The company owns and manages White Spot Restaurants, along with other commercial interests and real estate properties across North America. Shato Holdings has consistently been involved in community projects and initiatives over the last 30 years. BC Business named Shato Holdings one of the Top 20 Private Companies in BC and one of the Top 10 Employers in British Columbia. White Spot has also been named one of the 50 Best Managed Companies in Canada. Ron Toigo is the majority owner of the local Vancouver Giants hockey team, with other owners of the team including Michael Bublé and Pat Quinn’s family.

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Join Woods Coffee in Supporting Local Law Enforcement

Woods Coffee has joined the Sea of Blue campaign to support local law enforcement by creating a system that allows guests to anonymously donate money towards coffee and pastries for local officials.

Sea of Blue stemmed from local radio personnel who had the idea to “paint the town blue” as a way to show support for law enforcement in the area.

Community members participated by tying blue ribbons to signs and trees all over town to show their support.

Become a Sea of Blue Supporter

Woods Coffee currently has Sea of Blue gift cards at all locations. Guests are encouraged to anonymously donate money to the gift card that is then used to pay for drinks and pastries for police officers, sheriffs, border patrol and customs officers.

“They really appreciate it,” said Nancy Slesk, Manager of the Railroad Ave. location in Bellingham. “They are always very surprised when we tell them their drink has been paid for.”

Many Woods employees enjoy having the opportunity to be apart of something that gives back to the community.

Meridian Manager, Miranda Striggow said that her baristas have been known to load the gift card with their own money when it runs low.

“We enjoy being able to serve law enforcement and they are always more than thankful when their drink is paid for,” Striggow said. “Whether late at night or early in the morning when we feel unsafe, they are always more than willing to sit in the parking lot to ensure we feel safe, so it’s the least we can do.”

Year-Round Support

Sea of Blue will continue indefinitely, so guests can continue to make donations at all locations.

Keep an eye out for our Sea of Blue signs and ribbons at all locations and feel free to ask your barista for more information.

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Where the water and the Woods meet. // Photo: Cale Sager

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Woods2Woods This Sunday

Come join us this Sunday, August 30, for the 2015 Woods2Woods Bike Ride!

Start at any Woods location to get your passport and receive a stamp for every store you visit. Collect all the stamps, or just get a few. Either way, everything is free to you, including snacks and refreshments at 6 locations across Whatcom County!

Turn in your completed card for a chance to win a limited edition Woods Bike Jersey! If you'd like a little more structure, check out the "official" start at Boulevard Park at 9 AM.

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The Woods Coffee’s Cold Brew Enters Haggen Grocery Stores

Five Washington State locations began carrying Woods Cold Brew in early March

Bellingham, WA—March 27, 2015—The Woods Coffee today announced that its Cold Brew coffee is now carried in all five Whatcom County Haggen grocery stores in Washington State. Cold Brew has been served at Woods Coffee locations since 2012. This is the first time it has been available outside of Woods’ own stores.

“Our growing partnership with Haggen is a relationship we’ve really appreciated, and a natural fit between two Pacific Northwest brands,” said Wes Herman, Woods Coffee owner. “With Woods Cold Brew in all of the Whatcom County Haggen locations, Whatcom County residents can now grab a Cold Brew just about anytime and anywhere.”

After serving Cold Brew coffee at all of its locations since 2012, Woods released a single-serve, 10.5-ounce bottle version of the popular drink in July of 2014. The company has introduced a new bottle design for the launch into Haggen stores. 

Each batch of Woods Coffee Cold Brew is brewed using its own unique blend of coffee, taking a full 12 hours to brew. The extended brewing process results in a smoother taste, with two thirds less acidity than standard coffee. After the brewing is complete, Cold Brew is delivered from its Lynden, WA headquarters, where it is made fresh daily, to each Woods location.

“Our Cold Brew coffee is smooth and full of flavor. It’s one of my favorites,” said Herman. “Cold Brew is a popular drink with Woods guests. We’re looking forward to introducing it to Haggen shoppers.”

Cold Brew is Woods’ second product sold by Haggen. The grocery store began selling Woods’ whole-bean coffee in December.

Woods opened its first store inside Haggen in 2011, in Bellingham's Sehome Square. The company will open its second coffee shop inside Haggen in April, in Bellingham’s Barkley Village.

For more information on The Woods Coffee, visit www.TheWoodsCoffee.com, check out the company’s Facebook page, or call 360.933.1855.

About The Woods Coffee

The Woods Coffee was established in 2002 by the Herman family of Lynden, Washington. With a dream of starting a chain of coffee shops, the Herman family pooled their talents and resources to create their first Woods Coffee shop. Today, 13 years later, the company has a total of 15 locations in the Pacific Northwest; offers its own line of fresh, in-house baked goods; roasts all of its own coffee; and offers an exclusive compost-a-cup brand of compostable cups. In addition, the company uses sustainable design and building practices, using LEED® standards where possible. For more information on The Woods Coffee, please visit www.TheWoodsCoffee.com, or call 360.933.1855.

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“Cups of Hope” Fundraiser Exceeds $23,000 in Donations

On Friday, March 13 all of The Woods Coffee locations were decorated differently than normal. Bright green balloons were anchored outside of the front doors accompanied by signs that read FREE COFFEE in bold white letters, green buttons were pinned to the baristas’ aprons and colorful ribbons marked donation jars labeled “Rebound of Whatcom County.”

Rebound is a non-profit organization that provides a stable support system for at-risk children and families in the Whatcom County area. Many of these families are at, or below the poverty level or have suffered trauma or abuse.

Through Rebound, these families have the opportunity to seek out counseling, support and relationships that are essential to their growth.

“We work to re-write their stories for the future,” Rebound Executive Director Tyler Michel said.

For the seventh year in a row, Woods teamed up with Rebound to help generate funds for their many events.

“Ray of Hope” is a seven-week program that takes 96 at-risk children and gives them the opportunity to have a summer camp experience. The children will get to take part in many recreational activities while learning how to control their behavior and understand their emotions as well as building very important relationships with staff members and volunteers.

Tuition for one child to attend Ray of Hope can total up to $1,200, making it difficult for some families to afford the program.

With the help of generous community members, Woods was able to generate $23,000 in donations this year, totaling $91,000 that Woods has been able to generate for Rebound since 2008.

“Woods has increased the awareness for the need for a program like Rebound in Whatcom County,” Michel said. “In addition to just raising funds, Woods has created this community event where we get to share the needs of these families.”

Moore and Michel expressed their gratitude towards organizers and employees who team up to make this event successful every year. Rebound’s staff is especially thankful for the donations that were made by the members of community this year.

“Through giving, you are really helping the future of hundreds of people in Whatcom County,” Michel said. “Without Woods we couldn’t do what we do as well as we do it.”

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As a local, family-owned business, we have a lot of respect for other family-owned businesses, which is why we're so happy to have a long-standing relationship with the folks at Edaleen Dairy. Edaleen is now in their 39th year of business.

Since we opened our first coffee shop in 2002, Woods has been using Edaleen exclusively for all of our dairy drinks. Like Woods, Edaleen also calls Lynden, Washington home. Working with Edaleen is as close as we can get to owning our own cows!

Woods owner Wes Herman and Edaleen general manager Mitch Moorlag (son-in-law of "Ed and Aleen").

After using Edaleen Dairy's milk exclusively for years at all of our Woods Coffee shops, Edaleen recently began using Woods Coffee for their own mocha shakes and drip coffee served at the Edaleen Dairy retail locations throughout Whatcom County. 

"Edaleen Dairy is very proud of the great relationship we have with the Woods Coffee," said Mitch Moorlag, Edaleen Dairy general manager, "and the fact that we have supplied all of their locations with quality dairy products since their first location was opened 12 years ago."

Woods owner Wes Herman and Edaleen general manager Mitch Moorlag (son-in-law of "Ed and Aleen").

"We at Edaleen Dairy are extremely happy to be expanding our relationship with the Woods Coffee. Besides now offering the Brown Bear blend of drip coffee, we offer the popular cold brew from Woods Coffee, which is a great compliment to a tasty ice cream cone."

Woods and Edaleen: two local, family-owned businesses working together. Who doesn't like that?

Stay tuned for even more ways we're going to be partnering together in the near future.

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Thanks to each and every one of our customers who helped us raise $9,100 to help support local victims of human trafficking. 

In June, we began selling limited-edition Woods Coffee mugs filled with our very first Woods-roasted coffee beans for $100 a piece. All of the proceeds from these mugs was dedicated to helping victims of human trafficking. On our first day, one very generous individual bought a total of 20 mugs!

Each of the leather-wrapped mason jar mugs were handcrafted, individually numbered, and came with a hand-painted Woods Coffee medallion.

Thanks to you, we were able to deliver a check for $9,100 to Engedi from the sale of these limited-edition mugs, a significant portion of Engedi's entire annual budget.

One-hundred percent of the money raised from this campaign will go directly toward supporting Engedi Refuge, a rehabilitation care facility for adult women who have been victims of sexual exploitation.

Read more about Engedi's story, and find out how you can get involved with their fantastic mission, here. 

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After a bit of a hiatus, Viking Blend is back on Woods Coffee shelves. Like the rest of our coffee, Viking Blend is now roasted fresh daily, in house at our very own Woods Coffee roaster.

What's so special about the Viking Blend? Well, $1 from every bag of Viking Blend coffee sold goes to support Western Washington University scholarships.

Those who favor a dark roast will appreciate the Viking Blend's full-bodied taste, which features well-rounded flavors and a subtle, smoky finish.

So the next time you're in one of our 14 Whatcom County locations, pick up a bag. You'll be helping to support local education while enjoying a delicious cup of dark roast coffee. 

Also, make sure you're wearing your WWU gear when you stop by your favorite Woods Coffee on Western Wednesdays. Bring your own refillable mug for a free cup of Viking Blend drip coffee.

Cheers!

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Looking for a great way to say 'thanks' to a friend? Or how about surprising someone with a warm drink at the big game on Friday night?

For the entire month of September, we're giving away a free second drink with any drink order placed after 5 pm on Fridays.

Buy one, get one. Going on all September long at all of your favorite Woods Coffee locations.

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Good news: We're now roasting our own coffee!

In case you didn’t hear, we recently shared some big, big news.

After many years of conversations, research, and lots of hard work, we’re thrilled to announce that we’re now roasting all of our coffee ourselves, in-house. 

What does this mean for you? It means fresher tasting, locally roasted coffee. Or, as we like to say, local never tasted so fresh!

Roasting our own coffee has been a long-time dream of ours. It’s taken some time, and a lot of work to get here, but we’re very happy with the final result. We think you will be, too.

To share this news, we’ve put together a little video:

And here’s the press release with all of the details on this milestone: 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Wes Herman

Owner, The Woods Coffee

Phone: [phone]

E-mail: [email protected]

Woods Now Roasting Its Own Coffee

In-house roasting means fresher coffee for Woods customers

Bellingham, WA—May 29, 2014—The Woods Coffee today announced that all of its 14 Whatcom County locations are now serving its own in-house roasted coffee. The company began roasting its own coffee at its headquarters in Lynden at the start of this year. Woods recently produced a brief, two-minute video to introduce this latest development, which can be found online: http://vimeo.com/96765312. 

“This is one of the biggest things we’ve done in our 12 years of business,” said Wes Herman, Woods Coffee owner. “Roasting all of our own coffee is something we have always wanted to do. Now we can finally say we are, and we are thrilled.”

Woods added a roaster to its headquarters in Lynden in December. The company also hired a full time head roaster to make sure the end result was up to the company’s standards before introducing its new in-house roasted coffee into stores. Each of Woods’ Whatcom County locations now receives its coffee from its Lynden roasting facility, delivered fresh daily.

Formerly, Woods worked with roasting companies in Seattle, which delivered coffee beans according to Woods’ specifications. With it’s own roasting facilities, the company now has even greater control over the final result of every batch of coffee, and each cup of coffee can be served at peak freshness.

“Our goal is to deliver the best quality coffee to each guest we serve,” said Herman. “The only way to do that is to source the highest quality beans and roast our coffee fresh every day right here in Whatcom County.”

The first cup of Woods roasted coffee was sold in January. The response was positive.

“We waited to announce our new coffee roasting until now, but we heard back from our guests who noticed the change almost immediately. The response was very good,” said Herman. “Our guests have already appreciated the improvement.”

The company is now selling whole-bean bags of its in-house roasted coffee at each of its Whatcom County locations. As part of the company’s roasting launch, customers who purchase a bag of Woods’ in-house roasted coffee beans from May 31 to June 30 at any Whatcom County Woods location will receive a second bag free.

Woods’ first release of in-house roasted whole-bean coffee includes their new and improved signature Woods Blend, Brown Bear, Swiss Water Decaf, Espresso Blend, and Viking Blend. One dollar of every bag of Woods’ Viking Blend (Fair Trade) bag sold goes directly to support Western Washington University scholarships.

In addition to roasting all the coffee it serves, Woods has plans to use its Lynden facilities to educate Whatcom County residents about the coffee roasting process. Woods recently built a state-of-the art cupping lab to assist in coffee testing.

“Our cupping lab allows us to roast small batches of coffee from various sources on our sample roaster,” said Herman. “This is a critical step in making sure that what is being sold is how we expect it to be.”

The Woods cupping lab has a full coffee bar for training staff and testing new products and equipment. Woods sees an opportunity to use its cupping lab for events in the future. 

For more information on The Woods Coffee, visit www.TheWoodsCoffee.com, check out the company’s Facebook page, or call 360.933.1855.

About The Woods Coffee

The Woods Coffee was established in 2002 by the Herman family of Lynden, Washington. With a dream of starting a chain of coffee shops, the Herman family pooled their talents and resources to create their first Woods Coffee shop. Today, 12 years later, the company has a total of 14 locations in the Pacific Northwest; offers its own line of fresh, in-house baked goods; and exclusive compost-a-cup brand of compostable cups. In addition, the company uses sustainable design and building practices, achieving LEED® certification where possible. For more information on The Woods Coffee, please visit www.TheWoodsCoffee.com, or call 360.933.1855.

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Annual “Cups of Hope” Event Raised More than $23,000 For Underprivileged Children

Woods Coffee, North Coast Credit Union and other local businesses donated time and resources to help Rebound of Whatcom County fundraiser event

Bellingham, WA —The sixth annual “Cups of Hope” fundraiser took place on March 14th at all 14 Whatcom County Woods Coffee locations, where Woods customers were given the opportunity to make a minimum donation of $5 to Rebound of Whatcom County in exchange for a 12-ounce drink. More than $23,000 was raised through this one-day event, which will go toward scholarship funds for Rebound’s Ray of Hope summer program for children with behavioral and emotional challenges.

Since the annual Cups of Hope fundraiser first began in 2009, each year has seen significant year-over-year growth. This year’s fundraiser witnessed 45-percent growth over 2013.

“This year’s event was the best example of community collaboration I’ve ever seen, thanks to the leadership and support of our title sponsors, The Woods Coffee and North Coast Credit Union,” said Sharon Aller, Rebound’s executive director.

Along with the traditional opportunities to donate at Woods Coffee locations throughout Whatcom County, local businesses were invited to participate in a new way this year by pre-purchasing $5 coupons or sponsor a “Cups of Hope Coffee Break” to treat their employees and clients. Rebound of Whatcom County and North Coast Credit Union staff delivered coffee and pastries to more than 30 businesses around Whatcom County.  

Woods Coffee’s bakery in Lynden provided more than 500 pastries for the Coffee Breaks as part of this year’s Cups of Hope event. 

“Our entire staff looks forward to this day each year,” said Wes Herman, Woods Coffee owner. “It’s a joy and a privilege to provide the necessary resources to Rebound.”

Event sponsors for this year’s Cups of Hope event included The Woods Coffee, North Coast Credit Union, DeWaard & Bode, Moss Adams, Bank of the Pacific, Northwest Propane, Best Western Lakeway Inn, and Cascade Radio Group.

About Rebound of Whatcom County

Rebound of Whatcom County provides advocacy, relationships, skills and resources to help families step out of poverty. Rebound serves as a bridge for families between state agencies, communities of faith and local neighborhoods, creating places of belonging that nurture sustained, positive change. Rebound programming includes Rebound Roots: Strengthening Children and Families, a weekly school-year program, and Ray of Hope, a seven-week summer program. More information can be found at Rebound’s website: www.reboundwc.org.

About The Woods Coffee

The Woods Coffee was established in 2002 by the Herman family of Lynden, Washington. With a dream of starting a chain of coffee shops, the Herman family pooled their talents and resources to create their first Woods Coffee shop. Today, 12 years later, the company has a total of 14 locations in the Pacific Northwest; offers its own line of fresh, in-house baked goods; and exclusive compost-a-cup brand of compostable cups. In addition, the company uses sustainable design and building practices, achieving LEED® certification where possible. For more information on The Woods Coffee, please visit www.TheWoodsCoffee.com, or call 360.933.1855.

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Name:  Nancy Slesk Hometown:  Bellingham Go-to Drink:  Americano Misto with a brown sugar packet. Years with Woods:  7 and a half

W: Describe your path and how you got to where you are today.

N: We knew the Herman’s because my husband coached their boys in baseball. I had been working at a school for about seven years and I wanted to start working with people again. I always told Wes I was going to apply. He said ‘do it,’ so I applied and started out at the Bender store.       I like to be in charge and I wanted to be the manager of the store. I like to write the schedule, and love interaction with the customers. I think it’s my love of people, that’s why I’m here. W: Have you had any mentors within Woods?

N: Katie Taylor was a mentor that taught me more than anyone, and she did it in such a compassionate way. She was supportive and easy to receive and to learn from. W: What do you enjoy most about your job and what is the best part about working for Woods?

N: I enjoy working with the staff and hearing about their lives. I enjoy interaction with customers and new people. I enjoy taking ownership and having a clean store. There are so many fun things about Woods its hard to pinpoint my favorite.  W: What is life like outside of Woods?

N: I have three boys, but they are all out now, so it’s a transition period. I like to garden and work out. My husband and I go out to eat a lot more, now that there aren’t kids in the house. We have five acres, so we are pretty busy with the yard in the spring, summer and fall. Right now we are traveling to watch out youngest son play college baseball. W: What draws you to the Pacific Northwest?

N: I was born here, but when I think about being downtown I realize what a great area we live in. There are so many great aspects to living in Western Washington.       We have hiking, the water, great running trails. When its snowing its amazing to go out and walk on the trails. I think we have a great little community; I live in the county but downtown; its great too.  W: At what moment did you realize you wanted to become a part of the coffee industry?

N: I think I just wanted a change and to learn something new. I knew it was a growing industry and just being a part of that is pretty fun. I always looked at it as a form of art, much like wine making, there are so many variables in coffee. Growing, harvesting, and making sure you are creating a good product. W: Do you have any advice for people who would like to join the coffee industry?

N: Just have fun, but take it seriously. People in the Pacific Northwest know the difference between a good cup and a bad cup. Its hard work, but go for it.

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Our Berry Cream Cheese muffins are made with berries from the local Maberry Farms.

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On to the Chemex!

Stuff you’ll need includes:

Chemex pot

Chemex filters

a grinder or medium ground coffee

kettle

digital gram scale

a timer

Here's how to get started:

Place the filter in the Chemex with the folded thicker part facing the pour spout.

Thoroughly rinse the filter with boiling water and then dump the water out.

Take 42 grams or 6 rounded tablespoons of medium ground coffee and place in the filter.

Place the Chemex on the scale and zero the scale out.

Boil the water and after it comes to a boil allow it to cool for about 45 seconds.

Slowly pour 60 grams of water on to the ground coffee, making sure all the grounds are saturated and let it sit for 30 seconds.

Now slowly and evenly, in a small circular motion pour water into the center of the grounds, never pouring onto the sides of the filter, until the scale reads 700.

The brew process should take about 4 minutes. Again if your brew time is quicker than 4 minutes make your grind a little finer. If its slower, adjust your grind to be bit coarser. -Shea Hagen, Woods Coffee

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Name:  Carla Otter Hometown:  Lynden, Wash. Go-to Drink:  Americano with cream. Years with Woods:  Over 4

W: Describe your path and how you got to where you are today.

C: I went straight from high school and worked in banking; I did that for five years. From there I was a stay at home mom. My husband and I were self employed and I was doing books for businesses. That’s where my passion of accounting came in. I took standalone classes at Whatcom CC, focusing on dairy accounting. We were dairy farmers.       When we had kids, I stayed home and did all the accounting. In the meantime we did a lot of buying and selling of real estate. I’ve probably moved about 19 times, all within Whatcom county, so our kids would never have to change schools.       Next, I moved into real estate; we sold the business and we sold the dairy farm. We bought an old farm with land, and developed it into a bunch of lots and that’s where we live now.       When I was in real estate I worked right next to Safeway Woods and I knew Nancy Slesk, she was a manager. I thought maybe I could be a barista. I met and had coffee with Wes, and he suggested I do a working interview. I worked a short shift and I couldn’t do it. I was like, no, this is not for me. I met up with Wes again and he said an accounting job might open up soon.       I started accounting in Sudden Valley one day-a-week at Collin Morrow’s house, upstairs in his bonus room. I am sitting on the floor in his bonus room and I don’t even know him. His wife and kids are downstairs. It was just kind of crazy. That was July 2009, and on February 1, we got the office. I’ve been full time ever since. W: Have you had any mentors within Woods?

C: Collin Morrow has been amazing and patient, training and molding me. I believe that we work really well together. I think the dynamics in this office are really special. It’s kind of funny, we are really close with each other–that's really important.  W: What do you enjoy most about your job and what is the best part about working for Woods?

C: I love accounting and I love the people I work with. To be excited to go to work is huge. If you are excited, you love your job, and you are passionate about what you do, then you will do well.  W: What is your life like outside of Woods?

C: I’ve been married for 27 years to the same guy: pretty amazing. Our hobbies are snowmobiling, camping, anything outdoors, but I would love to go somewhere tropical right now. W: What draws you to the Pacific Northwest?

C: It is so beautiful. I am not a city person; I don’t like crowds. I love to go up in the mountains, and I love to be out in the water. I grew up here, born and raised and I have never left. I have three kids and they are all three here. I love having my family near; family is pretty important. Oh, and I have a grandbaby! That’s the highlight of my life right now. Her name is Olivia and she is my little princess. W: At what moment did you realize you wanted to become a part of the coffee industry?

C: I love the excitement of Wes and all his grand ideas, and I love coffee. The more I am in it the more I am invested. There is always so much more to know. I think coffee will always change. I love the growth of the company.  W: Do you have any advice for people who would like to join the coffee industry?

C: It’s not for everyone. It takes a certain personality and a certain work ethic. You have to be willing to work hard, and Woods sets the bar high. It’s achievable, but you have to have work ethic, you have to want it.