Coffee People: Gürcan Egeli

Coffee people.
The Better Coffee Standard defines it precisely: everyone whose life and work are bound to coffee, at every stage of the coffee circle — including those working under coercion, economic dependency, or without pay. Their families. Those who keep them standing.

The industry never stops talking about coffee. It rarely stops to talk about the people behind it. Red Ink Coffee exists, in part, to change that.

Coffee People is a series of portraits. Four questions — their voices.

Who are you and what do you do in coffee?

My name is Gürcan Egeli, and I work as a Sales Engineer at GARANTİ Roasters, a coffee roasting equipment manufacturer based in Türkiye. My role involves helping coffee businesses around the world find the right roasting solutions for their needs, whether they are opening their first roastery or expanding an established operation. What I enjoy most is connecting with coffee professionals from different cultures and learning how coffee shapes their communities and businesses.

Tell us about a moment in your work with coffee that you're genuinely proud of.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing a customer's project come to life. I am particularly proud when a customer starts with only an idea and, through many conversations, planning sessions, and technical discussions, eventually opens a successful roasting business. Knowing that I contributed to their journey and helped turn their vision into reality is something I find genuinely meaningful.

What's one problem you see in your part of the coffee world — and why does it matter to you personally?

I often see how difficult it can be for new coffee entrepreneurs to navigate the equipment market — the options are many, the marketing claims are loud, and the advice is often conflicting. This matters to me because choosing a roaster is one of the most consequential decisions a new business makes. Getting it wrong is costly. I think people deserve honest, needs-based guidance — not guidance shaped by what someone is trying to sell.

What would you change if you could — and what would better look like for you?

I would like to see more collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the coffee industry. Too often, expertise remains siloed within companies or regions. A better coffee world would be one where roasters, producers, equipment manufacturers, and educators communicate more openly, helping each other solve challenges and improve quality throughout the supply chain. When knowledge becomes more accessible, the entire industry benefits.

You are coffee people. Tell us.

Four questions. Any language. Any format.

1. Who are you and what do you do in coffee?
2. A moment you're genuinely proud of.
3. One problem in your part of the coffee world — and why it matters to you.
4. What would you change — and what would better look like?

Include a short bio and a photo from your work environment. Send your answers to redinkcoffee@thebettercoffee.org