Adam Sterr, Trainer - Espresso Bar and Beverages


My personal journey in coffee began back when I was still working as a professional ballet dancer, first in Richmond, VA and later here in Milwaukee with the Milwaukee Ballet. I spent a great deal of my free time in various cafes, across the country, reading, people watching and just enjoying the "café lifestyle" which I found, and still find, fascinating. When my time as a professional dancer came to an end it was this fascination paired with my love of espresso that made me feel it was worth taking a closer look at the inner workings of a café. Shortly thereafter I was hired at a local café and began my own training and specialization as a barista. I feel this ties in well with my background in the arts as the work of a good barista is organic, ever evolving and can be quite artistic when done well. Not many people realize how much skill it really takes to achieve good espresso and espresso based beverages, but can definitely taste it when it's not done right.

After several years of working and developing my own skills as a barista, an opportunity arose at SCC to become the new barista trainer for all of the new employees in addition to helping with ongoing development of the skills and practices of all the current SCC baristas. My understanding and method of the barista craft, along with my desire and ability to clearly share it with others who have an interest in the art of good espresso, lead me to this new position and made it the logical next step for me. I look forward to working with all the new baristas that will be working hard to make the best espresso based beverages SCC has to offer and delivering an unforgettable café experience!