BEHIND THE BLUEPRINT: Building Northeastern Coffee Equipment With Sara Olson and Ryan Wolfrum

The Story Behind America’s Best Coffee Technicians

1620 Workwear?celebrates the hardworking tradespeople who keep the world running, often behind the scenes. One such profession that blends technical expertise, customer service, and hands-on craftsmanship is that of a coffee equipment technician.

In early February, 1620 tagged along with the?Northeastern Coffee Equipment?crew, led by owner, Sara Olson, and lead technician, Ryan Wolfrum, during their latest installation of a high-end Mavam espresso machine for Dandelion, a to-be-launched upscale cafe within the well-known Boston Harbor Hotel.

Small Sips & Big?Opportunities

Before?Northeastern Coffee Equipment, lead technician Ryan Wolfrum worked as a Class A truck driver. His introduction to coffee tech came through a small service company where he started sweeping floors. That small step turned into a full-fledged career.

“From day one, I was hooked,” Wolfrum recalls. “The people we deal with are excellent, and the environment is clean and climate-controlled. It’s about the best trade there is.”

What Does a Coffee Tech Do?

The role of a coffee technician extends beyond fixing broken machines. At Northeastern Coffee Equipment, Olson and Wolfrum's team service espresso machines and commercial coffee brewers across New England, from Connecticut to Maine.

“For most cafes, the espresso machine is 60% or more of their business,” Wolfrum emphasizes. “When that machine is down, they're really pretty stressed to get it back up and running. So we're on call 365 days - 7 days a week 24 hours a day - for our customer.?

"We try to make sure we maintain a good work-life balance," Wolfrum continues. "We're so fortunate. If we get called out to a job on a Saturday, we usually leave with something to eat and a coffee in our hands - could be worse."

The Value of Hands-On Work: Rising in the Trade

Chris Tucker, a young technician on the NECE team, has taken a slightly different route than that of the company's leaders. With a background in IT and automotive repair, Tucker was naturally drawn to the mechanics of coffee machines: “On the inside, these machines aren’t that much different from a car,” he explains. “The steam tubes are like brake lines, the drain lines are like radiator hoses—it all came pretty naturally."

With corporate and digitally-driven careers on the rise alongside a diminishing trade workforce, Northeastern Coffee Equipment emphasizes the importance of hands-on work.

“Go outside and touch grass,” Tucker jokes, offering a bit of advice to his Gen Z peers. “There’s something really satisfying about working with your hands and knowing you’ve fixed something tangible.”

Wolfrum echoes this sentiment: “Curiosity is key in this job. We have to know a little bit about plumbing, electrical work, steam systems, and customer service. There’s no school for this—you learn by doing.”

Investing in Quality Workwear: Why It Matters

As with any hands-on trade, the right tools - including workwear - are essential. The Northeastern Coffee Equipment team rely primarily on high-quality American-made gear that stands up to the demands of their job.

“I’ve got a bunch of 1620 Workwear hoodies, and they’re second to none,” Wolfrum says. “The fit, durability, and hidden pocket inside—it’s all designed for people who actually work with their hands.”

Tucker, who admits to being tough on his clothes, has also started appreciating well-made gear. “I used to be skeptical about spending money on high-end workwear, but the difference is night and day," he remarks. "It’s worth investing in things that last.”

Final Thoughts: A Rewarding Career Path

Like many skilled trades, running a coffee tech business requires skill, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. The job isn’t always easy—long hours, weekend calls, and unexpected repairs are part of the deal. But for the NECE team, the work is fulfilling.

"We treat others like we want to be treated and focus on the customer first, equipment second," Wolfrum Says. "We want to make sure folks are happy and have as little stress in their lives as possible."

Skilled tradespeople like Ryan, Sara, and Chris, keep the world running - in the case, it's one espresso shot at a time.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHEASTERN COFFEE EQUIPMENT

Check out northeasterncofee.com and connect with @northeastern_coffee_equipment on Instagram. For the best workwear on the planet, visit 1620usa.com and learn more about 1620 Workwear's company uniform program.

A special 'thank you' goes out to the Boston Harbor Hotel for their hospitality. Dandelion will open its doors at the Boston Harbor Hotel this spring. Visit?www.bostonharborhotel.com and connect with @bostonharborhotel on Instagram to stay updated.