People are the most important part of any organization. They will ultimately determine the success or failure of any businesses thus giving them the right tools to succeed is paramount. Dutch Colony is where we are today owing to the positive contributions of our People, be it those who have left us or currently present. To honour them, we begin this series.

In our first "Our People Series: Speaking with ______________", we spoke to our Outlets Manager, Clyde Lozano.

Tell us briefly about what you do now in Dutch Colony and how long have you been in the company?

I joined Dutch Colony in March of 2020, to be exact prior to circuit breaker 😀 and I think I was destined to be part of Dutch Familia. (laughter).

Is this current position a promotion and what was the position you started with (if this is a promotion) and how long did you get to your current position?

I started as a Head Barista in Training at our Fusionopolis outlet and also had experience to be at UE Square outlet for a short stint before heading back to Fusionopolis outlet due to covid restrictions. At the same time, I had the opportunity to actually experience being with front of house and being part of the Kitchen team during the circuit breaker period.

I was then assigned to be the Head Barista at Frankel Avenue outlet together with my then-Lead Head Barista Aryanee. We led and managed the outlet during the resumption of dining-in during the pandemic and I was part of team until May of 2021.

In May 2021, I spearheaded the opening team with my then-Lead Barista Dhia for New Tech Park outlet together with Head Chef Elaine. This was the first time I had the opportunity to build a team from ground up and solely managed an outlet as a Head Barista independently, where I applied what I’ve learned and at the same time learned to lead a wonderful team.

Recently, in a newly-created position, I was promoted as Outlets Manager to manage both Frankel Avenue outlet and Our Tampines Hub (OTH) outlet, which collectively, make up the East District.

It took me at least two years from where I started with the company to be where I am now and I am grateful to all the people who trusted in me and believed in me in the process.

Oh wow, what a journey it has been for you. So what do you like about working here?

It’s a good place to learn, be it in operation or in the back end capacity. To be honest there are plenty of resources for learning and you just need the drive and the passion to learn and to absorb what you can while you are going through the process.

Your favourite coffee in DCC and method of preparation?

Nothing in particular but I would say a Black and White flight coffee, which is a pair of espresso and cappuccino of the same origin/blend, is my go-to drink.

What is specialty coffee to you?

To me specialty coffee is being able to provide quality coffee that at the same time being able to connect and educate the customer about the coffee that we are serving. What are the flavours to expect when they drink, what was the processing method used, etc. It also reflects the bean to cup experience to all the individuals involved in the process.

What is something many do not know of you? (Can be coffee related or not.)

I don’t keep secrets. I am an open book but I guess it is not coffee related. Hmmmm, I also have a fear of Dolls/Mannequins and Lightning, but not Thunder.😬

Where do you see yourself five years from today in the company?

I would like to experience competing in the national stage and being able to share that experience to the team and hopefully inspiring them that everything is possible with the right attitude and patience.

Thank you Clyde and we wish you nothing but the best for your future endeavours. Onwards with Dutch!

Thank you for having me on this first edition of Our People Series!

Note: Article content is provided by Clyde Lozano and edited by Suhaimie Sukiman for clarity and length of article.