It's Founder Friday and we are talking with the founder of Chariots Coffees in Uganda, Ochen Simon Eidodo! Chariots coffees and Barista Academy was established in 2018 by Ochen Simon Eidodo one of the most renown Ugandan professional barista and 2018 Ugandan Barista Champion, whose experience in coffee brings a high level of quality in the coffee value chain in Uganda helping to promote the highest level of coffee quality from farm to cup. Chariots Coffees and Barista Academy was designed to be the  best buyer and seller of high quality coffees in Uganda. They also are training up a highly professional and passionate barista community in Uganda who will brew the best quality their very own Ugandan coffee. The result is the promotion and boosting of the rate of domestic consumption of Ugandan coffee. In today's conversation we are going to hear the story of both Simon and Chariots Coffees and the incredible impact they are having on the coffee industry in Uganda. I love hearing about producing countries creating change, increasing internal consumption, and building a stronger coffee community right where the coffee grows. Enjoy! We cover: Beginnings in hospitality industry in Uganda Simon's shift in perspective on coffee His competition experience  Influence on Ugandan barista and coffee scene Adding value at origin Starting Chariots Coffee Challenges in starting and running the business Expanding services How the Ugandan barista and coffee scene has changed Learning the roasting process Passion, purpose, love Advice to entrepreneurs at origin Related Episodes: 247 : Founder Friday! w/ Ritesh Doshi, CEO of Spring Valley Coffee, Nairobi, Kenya 171 : Founder Friday w/ Matt Chitharanjan and Namrata Asthana of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters in India 256 : Founder Friday w/ Varat Vichit-Vadakan of Roots Coffee Roaster in Bangkok, Thailand 153 : Exploring the Peace Trade in the Congo w/ Mighty Peace Coffee   www.chariotscoffees.com Instagram   Visit our sponsors! www.prima-coffee.com/keys www.pacficfoodservice.com