05/03/2026
☕ STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Meet Damon!
Damon has been part of the OZO crew since 2022, but his first barista job goes all the way back to 1994. Get to know him below!
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your role with OZO.
I started at Ozo in the fall of ‘22. I had a full time job in Arts Non-Profit working from home & really needed to get out of the house & meet my community. I was sitting in Ozo working on my laptop while the manager was interviewing people at the table next to me. In between interviews, I leaned over & asked if I could apply for just one or two shifts per week. I’m so happy they said yes! My first barista job was in 1994 at 13th Street Coffee Co. in Omaha, NE. Back then, espresso drinks were still new to most of the middle of America. It was exciting to bring delicious coffee & coffee culture to new places. That experience changed the trajectory of my life. Coffee has been a part of every job that I’ve had since then, in one way or another.
2. If you could choose any superpower, what would it be?
I’d love to be able to teleport myself anywhere in the world like on Bewitched. Just wiggle my nose & have a picnic lunch at Lake Isabel, or grab a fresh croissant in a Paris cafe.
3. What’s something you’re passionate about outside of coffee?
I love to cook. It’s how I unwind at the end of the day. Feeding people good food makes me happy. A baked ziti or a pot full of homemade green chile on the stove is what puts me at ease on even the most hectic day. I also have an Etsy shop Unblessed Tees, that keeps me busy.
4. What’s a hidden talent or hobby you have that might surprise people?
I love finding out about the history of local buildings, streets, businesses, et. al. Whenever family or friends visit, I love taking them on a tour of Longmont, or showing locals little forgotten landmarks or historical spots.
5. Favorite local business?
Right now I’m really digging .at.mikes. Thee most mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches. They just got a brick & mortar after years of operating out of a food truck. My all time fave is Las Americas Tortilleria. Their fresh made flour tortillas are out of this world!
