A Day in the Life of a Stone Creek Barista

By Jake Lutzke, Factory Cafe Coach Trainee & Educator at Stone Creek Coffee.

Despite not being a traditional morning person, I’ve grown to appreciate the serenity that comes with working an open shift. Starting before much of the city wakes is incredibly peaceful; it’s a gentle way to ease into the day. I usually choose something mellow for the morning playlist to match the calm atmosphere, gradually amping up the energy as the day unfolds.

There’s also something special about being around the cafe as it wakes up: the sound of grinders coming to life, the aroma of freshly ground coffee, and that first sip of the day all create a uniquely comforting experience.

Once we open, the pace picks up quickly. There’s rarely a truly quiet moment, but that constant motion is part of what makes it exciting. Every day, we see such a range of people: from our regulars and train travelers to students and working professionals who make the cafe their second home. We hear so many kind words about the Factory’s vibe: welcoming, warm (especially with the fireplace going), and full of energy. That atmosphere starts with our team; their hard work, attention to detail, and friendly faces bring it all together.

Our customers make it easy to love what we do. It’s always great catching up with familiar faces and chatting about new music, life updates, or how their day is going. Just as rewarding is welcoming someone visiting Milwaukee for the first time or making a stranger’s day with a great cup of coffee. Those small moments of connection, between baristas and guests who share a love of great coffee, are what truly build the heart of the cafe and keep people coming back.

When things get busy, teamwork and communication become everything. There’s an unspoken sense of selflessness among our coworkers. Everyone’s ready to drop what they’re doing to help. We all know what it’s like to be deep in drink-making and suddenly need a hand. Our team’s ability to anticipate those needs and step in without hesitation is what keeps everything running smoothly. Those subtle, almost invisible moments of teamwork make a huge difference.

On the skills side, working the bar is definitely the most specialized part of the job. Our barista training classes, required before certification, dive deep into everything from steaming milk to perfection, to pulling espresso that’s sweet, clean, and juicy. And doing it all efficiently. This level of training is one of the reasons Stone Creek maintains such consistent quality across all our cafes.

As an educator, teaching those classes is my favorite part of the job. It’s incredibly rewarding to connect with new employees and share my coffee geekery with them. Beyond that, getting to work with coffee every day and collaborate with others who share that same passion is something I never take for granted. I’m a coffee geek in every sense of the word, and I feel so lucky to be part of an organization that celebrates and encourages that enthusiasm at every level.

Stop by, see Jake and the team at our Factory cafe, and let them make you something to kick-start your morning. Find directions to the Factory cafe here.