Our Team
David Gaines, Chief Visionary
David is the owner and Chief Visionary of La Terza Coffee, where he leads the company's commitment to ethical practices and building meaningful connections with the communities La Terza serves. He's also a conscious business coach, helping entrepreneurs align profit with purpose. A former Chairperson of Social Enterprise Alliance, David is the author of Radical Business and is currently writing its sequel, Why We Buy, and Why It Matters, which explores how consumer choices can drive meaningful change. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, cycling, and spending time with his wife Beth and sons Parker and Lincoln.
Robert Gatesi, Master Roaster
Robert is a Coffee Quality Controller, Roaster, and Barista Trainer with over a decade of experience across the coffee industry—from green grading and roasting to cupping, marketing, and barista training. Originally from Uganda, he has lived in several coffee-producing countries and brings both analytical insight and hands-on expertise to every step of the bean-to-cup process. Outside of coffee, Robert enjoys Premier League soccer, chess, cooking, and exploring Cincinnati with his wife and two daughters.
Mike Gaines, Production Manager
Mike Gaines has spent over a decade in the coffee world, building relationships one cup at a time. His love for great coffee—and the connections it creates—has even led him to helping bring a coffee shop to life in his local community. A husband and proud father of two, Mike loves playing with his kids just as much as he loves playing bass, guitar, and singing all over the Cincinnati area. Coffee and music fuel his creativity, shaping a world that lives somewhere between melody, community, and the perfect cup—where everyday moments are meant to be savored.
Eric Cronstein, Production / Sales
Eric delivers and roasts coffee by day and brews sonic sessions by night. When he’s not running his recording studio, he’s probably halfway up a rock wall letting the days thoughts percolate through his mind. A bassist, guitarist, climber, and caffeinated human Swiss Army knife, he brings the same energy to music and mountains as he does to coffee: bold, balanced, and slightly fruity.
Jesse Edwards, Roaster
After a twenty five year career in Opticianry, Jesse retired and decided to follow his passion: coffee. Working as both a roast master and a barista, Jesse brings a wide spectrum of skills and knowledge to the table. Jesse has 6 children and enjoys fishing, playing cards, and learning about international cuisine.
Kimberly Rollins, Coffee Operations Consultant
Kim is a coffee operations consultant with nearly 10 years of hands-on experience leading café and roasting operations. Specialized in streamlining workflows, optimizing staffing and labor, training baristas and managers, developing beverage and food programs, and improving financial performance. Proven ability to balance day-to-day operations with long-term strategy, brand consistency, and customer experience, while supporting owners in building sustainable, well-run coffee businesses.
Jonnie Taylor, Operations Manager
Jonnie has been in the coffee industry for almost a decade and has a love for the community that comes with it. Specialized in optimizing system and processes, he makes sure the La Terza team is cared for as much as our coffee is. In his free time he likes to skateboard and visit retro arcades.