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The Team
Running
a business is, of course, a lot more than making a fine espresso.
As I have often said the personal characteristics that allow me (require
me?) to be focused entirely on coffee quality and training are weaknesses
when it comes to the meat and potatoes of running a business. My
eyes cross and I get a headache if I try to look too hard at "the
numbers". The same if I get too close to the daily grind of bar management.
So, I would like to introduce my business partner, Geneva Sullivan.
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Geneva Sullivan
When
Geneva and I started Espresso Vivace in 1988 she was still a field
service technician repairing computers full time for Digital Equipment
Corporation. It was her salary that saw Vivace through the beginning
stages. Geneva had amassed a stellar record in computer repair for
Unisys, Sperry and finally DEC, but it was her dream to own her own
business. Her strength and wisdom got us both through the "night
sweats" of not knowing if we would survive or not. Her grace and
compassion got us through our biggest challenge, making the transition
from coffee carts to indoor stores in 1992. Right from the start
she has had sole responsibility for accounting, payroll, taxes, and
inventory. In business we are perfectly matched partners, each filling
in the weaknesses and limitations of the other.
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David Schomer
David is the founder of Espresso Vivace. He is responsible for quality
control, roasting, and training and visits each shop daily. His background
includes a BA in Cultural Anthropology from UW and a BFA in Flute
Performance from Cornish College of the Arts. Previous work experience: four years
in the USAF training in electronic calibration and repair, a stint as a
metrologist at the Boeing Class A Standards Lab, and Canvas Coordinator for
Greenpeace NW. His hobbies include skiing, bicycling, and poker.
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