Welcome to The Sprudge Twenty Interviews presented by Pacific Barista Series. For a complete list of 2024 Sprudge Twenty honorees, please visit sprudge.com/twenty.
Guido Bernardinelli joined La Marzocco as the company’s 14th employee in 2002. He worked his way from Sales Manager to Marketing Manager, to eventually becoming the Managing Director of the company in 2009. Under his stewardship, La Marzocco would see a more intense focus on coffee quality and high-end, specialty espresso, starting with the La Marzocco Strada.
The success of the Strada helped redefine what was possible with espresso, and Guido’s leadership helped the company grow to nearly 500 employees around the world today. His vision for an uncompromising approach to espresso quality has made La Marzocco the leading espresso machine company in the world for consistency, reliability, and quality.
Nominated by Scott Guglielmino
How many years total have you worked in the coffee industry?
I have been working in the coffee industry for 32 years.
What is your current role in coffee?
I am the La Marzocco International LLC – CEO. I am particularly responsible for the overall company strategy, the company culture, product innovation and people and culture.
What was your first coffee job?
I had been the regional sales manager for the Americas for a prominent Italian espresso machine manufacturer.
Did you experience a life-changing moment of coffee revelation early in your career?
I always believed I had a “calling” to include all different kind of people in this tolerant industry made of free and fantastic individuals.
What facet of the coffee industry has changed the most during your career?
Speciality coffee became more scientific, knowledge and quality driven than ever—and yet it remains analog, and still people-oriented.
Is there a person or persons who served as your mentor early in your coffee career? How did they impact you?
Piero Bambi, Kent Bakke, Guy Pasquini ,and Jens Henrik Thomsen were humble, patient, passion driven, and extremely knowledgeable. They really ticked all the boxes with me.
What still surprises you today about coffee, or gives you joy?
There is so much amazing the multi-generational, multi-cultural, broad diversity of coffee communities bring to the plate.
What’s something about the coffee industry you’d most like to see change?
The relationship between farmers and coffee traders.
What is your most cherished coffee memory?
The smile of a donut shop elderly owner when she felt we had helped improve her coffee.
Do you make coffee at home? If so, tell us how you brew!
I make coffee at home all the time. Mostly espressos, macchiatos and cappuccinos.
What is your favorite song/music to brew coffee to?
Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” — I did my way… la la la la la…
What is your idea of coffee happiness?
My dearest friends company enjoying a good coffee altogether.
If you could drink coffee with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Piero Bambi. His coffee vision and simplicity were so darn humbling.
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone getting their start in the coffee industry today?
Get passionate, enthusiastic and remember making money is a collateral effect of well done job.
Thank you.
The Sprudge Twenty Interview series is presented by Pacific Barista Series. For a complete list of 2024 Sprudge Twenty honorees and interviews, please visit sprudge.com/twenty.
