Claudio Martinez

For Claudio, coffee has never been just a drink, it is part of his soul, rooted in his family’s 70-year heritage in Honduras. That connection was reignited in Thessaloniki, Greece, where, under the mentorship of Tony Sebastian of I Heart Coffee Roasters, he embraced the beauty, tradition, and community that coffee represents.

His first hands-on experience came in a small drive-through coffee shop in Ellendale, North Dakota, owned by a close friend. As a young barista, Claudio discovered the joy of serving others one cup at a time. That spark guided him forward, leading to opportunities with global icons such as Lavazza, where he worked as a trainer and educator, and later with List + Beisler, where he shared exceptional coffees as a green trader with roasters across the country. Each step nurtured his gratitude and reinforced his belief in coffee as a bridge between cultures and communities.

Today, as the driving force behind Golden Bush Coffee, Claudio channels that lifelong passion into supporting food and beverage communities throughout Florida and beyond. His mission is grounded in humility and purpose, guided by the belief that coffee is never just about what’s in the cup—it is about people, stories, and the connections it creates.

Committed to Diversity and Inclusion: Claudio Martinez enriches our conference with their experience as a Hispanic/Latino Coffee Professional.