Phil Celebrates 25 Years at Dillanos
Director of Coffee!
On this day, in the year 2000, Phil joined the Dillanos family humbly packaging coffee and sweeping the floors. Since then, he has climbed his way up making an unforgettable impact, with the official (and quite cool sounding) title of “Director of Coffee”. This means that he oversees the sourcing, quality, and strategic direction of our coffee program. Phil is there from the beginning to ensure that our coffee is as excellent as can be.
Phil’s Favorite
When asked his favorite DCR coffee, he responded: “My favorite coffee we’ve ever carried was a stunning Geisha variety from the renowned Finca La Esmeralda in Panama, which we offered as a limited release back in 2010. The Peterson family truly changed the course of specialty coffee with this extraordinary cultivar. Our small lot was a hit and tasted shocking with unique and vibrant flavors. It also helped us win the cupping portion of Roast Magazine’s Roaster of the Year award, which was an incredible honor.”
Help People Make Friends Have Fun!
One of the reasons Phil fits in so well at DCR is that he reflects our mission statement daily. So when asked what core value resonates with him the most, he chose just that.
This is Phil’s work philosophy:
“We spend a huge portion of our lives at work, often more time with coworkers than with our own families…so creating a culture of helpfulness, friendship, and joy isn’t just idealistic; it’s essential. Some people approach work with intensity and a furrowed brow, but I’d much rather get things done with a sense of humor and a team I genuinely enjoy being around.”
Favorite Memories?
Because of this way of life Phil has had many once in a lifetime experiences that his role gives him the opportunity to have, such as being surrounded by chimps in Tanzania, soaking in hidden jungle hot springs in Panama, barbecuing through a tropical storm in Nicaragua, even spending a night in a haunted, abandoned ranch house in Brazil. But what made the biggest impact on him goes deeper than international adventures.
“…my favorite memories come from much closer to home: the early days as a young coffee roaster. Roasting in the quiet morning hours, I’d lose myself in the soft, rhythmic tumble of the beans in the drum, the crackling sound as they reached first and second crack, and the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee as I watched the cooling tray arm slowly spin. Those mornings felt absolutely magical.”
What sticks out to Phil about Dillanos is the consistent “customer first” way of operating. He appreciates the way that Dillanos is dead set on going the extra mile.
“I admire his ability to get up in front of a crowd with zero notice and give a presentation about anything—and not just that, but captivate the audience as well! Ask him any coffee question at any time and he’ll give you a fully fleshed out response like he’d been practicing it for days.”
—Chris Heyer, Co-CEO, Dillanos Coffee Roasters
“I have a million stories about Phil from traveling with him over the last 25 years. From trade shows and sales calls to origin trips around the globe, we’ve always had a great time. When visiting coffee-growing regions, Phil naturally takes the lead—his experience and confidence put everyone at ease. Traveling to exotic countries can sometimes present interesting or precarious situations, but with Phil guiding the way, every trip becomes an incredible and unforgettable experience.”
—David Morris, Co-CEO Dillanos Coffee Roasters
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Phil for nearly 24 years. From the early days at Dillanos to the present, Phil’s leadership and dedication have played a huge role in shaping the company into what it is today. Whether working on coffee projects, attending coffee shows, or traveling to origin, Phil’s vast knowledge and infectious enthusiasm have made it an incredible journey . His commitment to maintaining DCR’s quality and consistency has been unwavering, and his passion for coffee continues to inspire all of us.”
—Carissa Hermsmeyer, Chief of Staff
Phil is a hard-working employee here at DCR, and sometimes a getaway is much needed. But even with his additional PTO, he has decided to continue living out his adventurous, explorative lifestyle and plans on hiking the Wonderland Trail, which is 93 miles around Mt. Rainier.
Phil, thank you for every day of these 25 years. Dillanos would not be the same place without you. Happy Anniversary!