We're a family-owned and run business
Our family team of founders have different personalities, backgrounds and interests. It's what makes us a unique blend (see what we did there?) of individuals.
Here's some insights into the people behind your daily fix...
Frank, our investor, mentor aka "The Dad"
Before entering the world of coffee...
I am retired and I have invested in this business for my children to thrive and succeed. I am a jack of all trades and have worked as a travel agent and estate agent, I also owned numerous businesses such as a sweet shop and video store, all before I was 30 when I joined a family business in the crushing and screening industry.
I love what I do because...
I am driven by the desire to grow the business and mentor my children while doing so. I enjoy the challenge — every day presents a new opportunity and it excites me.
My daily fix...
My personal favourite is the American Blend and I have a sweet tooth so a luxury hot chocolate hits the spot any day.
Shop our Luxury Hot Chocolate here
Katia, Managing Director aka "Boss Lady"
Before entering the world of coffee...
I am a professional chef, specialising in pastry. I trained at Prue Leith Chef’s Academy locally and then furthered my studies in France. Before entering the world of coffee, I owned a Deli and Restaurant on Bree Street, dabbled in catering and then launched an online cake shop as a passion project.
I love what I do because...
Smak Coffee Co. is a dream come true. I have always been a natural leader and boss lady, and this business has allowed me to flourish. Coffee excites me. It’s a reason for me to get up every morning. Every time I read our manifesto, I get shivers because coffee really is “a daily ritual that unites us all.”
My daily fix...
I have one milk based drink a day at work, always with the Original Blend, but at home I love my filter coffee and I use the Italian Blend for my first two morning coffees before leaving the house.
Shop our Original and Italian Blends here
Alessandro, or Ale, Sales Director aka "The Boxer"
Before entering the world of coffee...
I was a professional boxer and have SA colours in grappling. I started fighting when I was 16 and today, training is still a top priority and I dedicate a lot of my time to boxing, even though I am retired as a professional.
I love what I do because...
In my previous industry (I sold crushing and screening equipment for mines and quarries), I had a very limited customer base, but I love that every person I meet now, is a potential customer. Coffee is universal language and I love talking about it.
My daily fix...
I like a strong coffee, flat white or cortado. My favourite is the African Blend.
Michael, or Mikey, Head of Operations aka "The Roaster"
Before entering the world of coffee...
Before roasting coffee, I was a “BMW genius” (yes that’s a real title) and then sold super cars. Ask me anything about a car and I will tell you. Something a lot of people don’t know about me is that I’m also a professional chef and I actually met Katia at chefs college back in 2013.
I love what I do because...
As the roaster, I love the science behind every roast. It’s such a complicated process and I am driven to achieve perfection in every roast, always pushing to be that little bit better and to keep educating myself on how to do that. I am fascinated by how a minor adjustment to the grinder settings can change the extraction of the coffee and as a result the flavour profile of that blend will also change.
My daily fix...
I drink a flat white. I enjoy experimenting and creating different blends to try so I don’t have a favourite. I also love a dirty chai.
