Behind the Bar with Mike
Our “Behind The Bar'“ series highlights one of our team members, celebrating their unique contribution to the Tala experience. We believe the connection across the bar can be meaningful and impactful. Our team puts a smile on the faces of so many each day by simply serving delicious beverages and being an authentic presence in each person’s day. Learn more about what makes each person on the Tala Team unique with this personal interview.
Mike is a foundational member of our Libertyville crew, getting his start at our Highwood cafe, prior to the opening of our Libertyville location. You’ll catch him behind the bar on weekdays, chatting with customers about their daily plans or helping them figure out the next best coffee gear purchase. He is often jokingly referred to as the “Latte Art King” or “Chief Brewer” by his coworkers. His team describes him as goofy, talented, and passionate about coffee. It’s my pleasure to formally introduce you to your barista - and my friend - Mike Boyack.
Q: What is your position or role at Tala?
I am a barista and coffee roaster and the “lead brewing engineer”... but put the last part in quotes.
Q: How long have you been at Tala? Tell me about your start at Tala, what brought you here?
I’ve been here for nearly two years. I was formerly working at Starbucks, but wanted to dive deeper into specialty coffee, not sure where to turn. I heard Tala was planning to open a Libertyville cafe and immediately knew I wanted to jump in!
Q: What is your favorite part about working at Tala?
This may be cliche but… the coffee! I really love getting the practice in and learning more about the art of making coffee. As well as connecting with customers and getting to know people on a deeper level.
Q: What’s your favorite quality about yourself?
I really like that I am multifaceted and pick up a lot of different hobbies. I am always wanting to master each one! I appreciate my desire to develop new interests and dive deeper into them.
Q: What’s something you’re really bad at?
I have a terrible memory! I can’t remember anything unless it’s written down.
Q: What is your favorite drink to make?
Definitely a cappuccino. Perfect for latte art and so cute!
Q: And to consume?
Pour overs! I recently went through a phase of really loving espresso, but I’m back on to pour overs again. I just love making them and getting to enjoy them.
Q: What is your favorite memory at Tala?
Hmm… probably when I roasted my first batch of coffee! I felt really “in the game” and like an official roaster!
Q: What do you do when you’re not at work?
Usually hanging out with my wife, Kailyn and our baby, Bennett! Otherwise, I really like to play poker with my friends.
Q: Any other hobbies?
Disc golf (an old favorite) and collecting watches.
Q: What do you wish you did more of?
I’d really like to play disc golf more, it’s fun to get outside and be active. More practically, I wish I spent more time prepping and planning for the week ahead.
Q: Share a fun fact about yourself!
I was born in Hawaii! My parents moved to Illinois when I was just three months old.
Q: What is one topic that will always get you talking when you’re on bar?
Hawaii! Obviously coffee too.
Q: What is your favorite movie and why?
Probably The Lord of The Rings. I grew up watching it a lot, so it has a nostalgic quality for me!
Q: How would you describe your style?
*laughs*
Mostly miscellaneous coffee shop merch. Or clothes from Target. Always accessorized with a cool watch though!
Q: What song do you always have on the queue at Tala?
“Country” by Racoma
Q: What are you most excited about for the future?
Excited to watch Bennett continue to grow. He’s almost six months and close to crawling! Getting to watch him hit all the developmental milestones is so exciting.
Q: Tell me about something you’re really proud of!
My latte art skills! They’ve really grown so much!
I’m also really proud of myself for pursuing my dreams and getting the ball rolling on a coffee career.
Q: Do you have a favorite customer memory?
There’s been many times I’ve embarrassed myself in front of a customer… spilling things everywhere!
Q: What is one thing you wish you were an expert at?
I wish I was an expert at all of my hobbies and interests, to be able to be good at everything!
I also wish I was an expert at curating playlists and knowing music well!
Q: Do you have a secret or obscure talent?
I can lick my elbow! *licks elbow*
Q: What’s something you’re grateful for?
I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow at Tala.
Also grateful for my family; not everyone is lucky enough to meet their spouse so young, I really love that I got to experience that. Kailyn and I met in middle school!
Q: Who’s an influential person/role model in your life?
Within my career, definitely Keith! He’s been a great teacher and so influential for my coffee career.
Q: Where is somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit?
I’d love to go somewhere in Italy or Paris! I can picture myself at a cafe with a pastry and cup of coffee - life would be complete!
Q: What’s your favorite coffee shop to visit (besides Tala!)? Are you a regular anywhere?
I wouldn’t say I’m a regular anywhere because I make a lot of coffee at home. When I do visit coffee shops, it’s usually on the road or when I’m traveling. More locally, I’d say Metric in the city is one of my favorites!
Marissa Cummings
On staff at our Libertyville café, Marissa loves befriending customers and making the perfect cup of coffee. When not behind the bar, she is usually exploring new coffee shops, curled up with a good mystery book and a warm miel in hand.
