Dylan Siemens is Head of Education at Cafe Imports, where his work sits at the intersection of coffee knowledge, curriculum development, and content creation.
Dylan began his coffee career at Onyx Coffee Lab in 2012, where an hourly barista job evolved into an education-focused career. He became the Head of Education, trained countless baristas, helped over a hundred cafes open their doors, competed nationally, and won the U.S. Brewers Cup in 2017. Those years proved to him that small specialty coffee businesses need a professional staff, and professionals are made through thoughtful education.
He joined Cafe Imports in 2022, with a focus on revitalizing the company's education program for today's coffee industry. The result is ED+U, an open-access online coffee academy built for professionals, businesses, and enthusiasts alike. Dylan describes himself not as the source of ED+U's material, but as the collector and organizer of knowledge from countless people across the supply chain who helped build it. He believes the industry is made stronger when everyone has access to professional education and that Cafe Imports is uniquely positioned to make that happen.
Dylan lives in Arkansas with his wife and two kids, spending his time learning what it means to be a good dad and person. His family loves playing outside, traveling, eating, exercising, being with loved ones, and making the most of every coming moment.