Ken Selby
United States
Vashon Coffee Co.
Please tell us a little about yourself:
A 29 year old Southern California native that found himself in Seattle post grad school. With free time I am either playing Killer Queen, the Worlds first 10 player 5v5 arcade game, and preparing for upcoming tournaments, or visiting animal shelters in hopes of one day acquiring and raising a raccoon.
How did you get started in coffee?:
Originally, my interest in coffee started by drinking Madcap during my college undergraduate years in Grand Rapids, MI back in 2010. That then led to me seeking a specialty coffee position during Grad School in Houston. From there I found myself preferring a coffee profession over Philosophy three years into the graduate program and just decided to continue to pursue my passion and interests in coffee.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2017 Reno Cup Tasters Qualifier – 4th Place
2017 US Cup Tasters Championship Seattle – 1st Place
What are you excited to do while you are in Brazil?:
I am planning to get in a week early to explore the artisan scene of coffee as well as explore the country’s rich history and sight see.
What is your favorite coffee to cup?:
I am really about funky and wild South American coffees that shatter expectations.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I thoroughly enjoy competing in a 10 player arcade game called Killer Queen as well as frequenting breweries and restaurants with unique concepts and killer grub.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
My hope is to be an owner and operator of a a specialty coffee roastery with a conjoined brewery.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the competition?:
My Father, Ken Selby Sr., for keeping me competitive after I finished sports in college. My girlfriend, Lizzie Johnson, for stoking my passion for the industry and to never lose sight of getting better. Dawn Loraas, owner of Vashon Coffee, and Visions Espresso Services, for providing financial support and encouragement.
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