We had the good fortune of connecting with Macky McNish and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Macky, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Remembering advice from a total stranger at a restaurant when I was 20 years of age. I was told that everyone has a brain and everyone’s brain equally weighs 3 lbs. That life would demand one or the other. 1. I will sell my labor and build someone else’s dream or 2. I will sell my own thoughts and ideas and build my own dreams. I chose the latter of course 🙂

What should our readers know about your business?
Wholesale Coffee Roasters – Manufacturing.

Our pillars are roasting and relationships.

We actually care about people in an authentic and genuine way. People can relate to the Average Joe story.

Wasn’t easy to push past the nay sayers and doubters and critics…amongst plenty of failures.

We knew we had to put in more hours, late nights, sacrifice our weekends, demo-heavy at grocery stores, farmers markets, events, put in serious face-time in the most competitive market of coffee in the U.S. -Seattle.

Learned that diversifying our accounts sustains a healthy business and helped us thrive during any economic cycle.

Passion + approachability + cultivating community = creates impact for success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Of course start at Middle Fork Roasters for a coffee tour then head to Pike Place Market to drink at Ghost Alley Espresso and make your mark on the infamous Gum Wall. Head up stairs to all the local Seattle vendors. Then head down to the waterfront to check out the other local vendors there and hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island. More local boutique everything. Then on day 2 head out to Snoqualmie Falls and visit Salish Lodge that sits on top of the falls. Take lots of pics and video. While out in the area squeeze in a 2 hour round trip hike to the top of Rattle Snake Ledge. 180 views of Snoqualmie Valley. Grab some local beer at Volition Brewing before heading back to the city. Then on Day 3 head to Woodinville Wine country to check out the various local wineries and catch a show/concert at Chateau St. Michelle Winery and watch Hot Air Balloons above you – or jump on one if you like heights. All the best restaurants are in Capital Hill and or Downtown Bellevue. Limitless choices and every ethnic food imaginable. Don’t forget to eat at 84 Yesler.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Jas Gill. Brian Tines. Brad Wolgamott. John Maxwell.

Website: middleforkroasters.com

Image Credits
Matt Parrish (Tall guy) Macky McNish (Shorter guy)

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