Nathan Welsh

Operations Leader and Executive Director with over 20 years of upper-management expertise driving growth, multi-unit operations, product innovation, and end-to-end supply chain strategies across specialty coffee, craft brewing, food & beverage manufacturing, and retail hospitality. Proven track record of spearheading R&D, managing complex retail/production launches, leading high-performing teams up to 25+, and establishing sustainable direct-trade sourcing relationships across North and Central America. Skilled in P&L accountability, regulatory compliance, quality control, wholesale account development, and organizational scaling.

Director of Business Development & Research at Java City (2024-09 – 2026-03)

• Direct end-to-end multi-unit retail setups, oversee facility designs, construct timelines, manage vendor selection, and ensure strict adherence to operational budgets.
• Lead R&D initiatives for specialty coffee and beverage products, executing formulation, testing, and go-to-market strategies that expanded into nationwide distribution programs.
• Formulate operational standards, inventory control frameworks, and comprehensive staff training protocols to elevate service efficiency and customer retention.
• Architect marketing strategies driving initial store traffic, national brand awareness, and wholesale market penetration.

Education Director at Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters (2021-02 – 2024-09)

• Managed multi-site operations across three retail locations during executive ownership transitions, overseeing staffing schedules, revenue targets, quality control, and onboarding new ownership on all facets of industry operations, roasting, and supply chain management.
• Generated roughly 10% of total company revenue through the design and execution of specialized barista programs, wholesale client training, and public-facing coffee education modules.
• Spearheaded wholesale account consultation for dozens of client accounts, advising on equipment selection, bar layout, workflow optimization, and staff execution.
• Represented the brand in industry leadership forums, Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) events, and regional competitions.

General Manager at The Other Side by Track 7 Brewing Co (2019-10 – 2020-03)

• Directed full-scope operations, P&L accountability, and kitchen/taproom integration for a high-volume hospitality venue with 20+ staff members.
• Implemented inventory control systems, COGS reduction strategies, and expense controls to optimize profitability while upholding quality standards.

Taproom Manager at Track 7 Brewing Co (2017-07 – 2019-10)

• Supervised recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and performance evaluations for 15+ employees in accordance with state and local regulations.
• Analyzed sales trends, managed cash controls, and executed targeted customer growth initiatives to meet and exceed revenue benchmarks.

Head Roaster/Production Manager at Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters (2009-09 – 2015-05)

• Managed commercial roasting and manufacturing operations, overseeing production of 2,000+ lbs of coffee per week while maintaining precise quality control benchmarks.
• Directed end-to-end product lifecycles, encompassing raw material green coffee procurement, sample profiling, packaging supply logistics, and retail/wholesale fulfillment.
• Traveled to origin farms in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras to establish direct-trade relationships, analyze processing methodologies, and secure sustainable, high-grade supply streams.

Cafe Manager/Assistant Office Manager at Tin Roof Bakery & Cafe (2008-11 – 2009-09)

• Assisted owners in launching a new artisan bakery and café, overseeing venue design, menu curation, and a team of 13 employees.
• Programmed POS systems, managed business performance analytics, and directed kitchen and distribution operations.

Recreation Resource Management / English Literature – University of Montana (1995 – 1999)