In this edition of ‘What’s in Your Cup,’ we sat down with our Director of Production, Eric Farley. With a career spanning over three decades, his journey is a testament to dedication, passion, and the unique culture that defines Royal Cup.
We began our conversation with the classic question, “What’s in your cup?”
“Fancy Gourmet,” Eric said, “It’s a good cup of coffee and it’s traditional, which is what we were built off of.” This simple preference speaks volumes about his deep connection to the company’s roots and its commitment to quality.
As the Director of Production, Eric oversees the entire coffee production process, from coffee beans arriving to our facilities to roasting, grinding, and packaging. He ensures that every step is executed with precision and care.
Eric joined The Cup in September of 1993, however his connection with Royal Cup began long before his official start date. “I’ve worked at Royal Cup for 31 years, starting when I was 17, but I’ve been coming to this building since I was a little kid,” Eric said. Eric’s mother worked in production at Royal Cup for 27 years. “Coming here as a kid, I really enjoyed seeing the plant and the movement of the equipment,” Eric said. “I’m a mechanical guy, so the equipment really interested me.”
His early fascination with the machinery and processes laid the foundation for a career that would see him rise through the ranks, from washing coffee bins to becoming the Director of Production. “When I started, I didn’t operate any equipment. I washed the portable coffee bins, took out the trash, and did other similar tasks,” Eric said. From there he worked his way up to his current position. “I’ve worked everywhere in the plant as an official job title: roaster, maintenance, packaging operator, and shift manager for three different shifts. Unofficially, I’ve helped out in the warehouse and unloading the coffee beans,” Eric said.
Royal Cup is more than just a workplace for him; it’s a family tradition. “The industry kind of fell on me, but I stayed because of the folks I worked for and still do,” Eric said. Initially, I wanted to work for Royal Cup because the coffee business is unique and interesting, and I really liked the family that owned the company and how they treated people.”
His hands-on experience with every aspect of production has given him a comprehensive understanding and a deep respect for the work done at every level. “Having experience in every part of production really prepared me for my role now because I understand what it means to be the person doing the job in every position I oversee,” Eric shared.
His leadership style is rooted in creating an open and supportive environment. “I try to create a very open culture where people feel like they can come talk to me about anything that’s going on. I want to be the leader people want to follow because of how I treat them, not just because I am their manager,” Eric said. “I also try to create a fun environment and a culture where hard work is rewarded. Recently, I did a cookout here on a Saturday and fired up the grill to show my appreciation for everyone.”
Eric often leads tours of our production facilities with our customers, so next we asked him what his favorite thing about our customers is. “My favorite thing about our customers is being able to teach them about our coffee production process, and then learning from them about their business and its needs so I can understand how we can improve their lives,” Eric said. He also shared a heartwarming story about his connection with our customers. “I get a huge amount of satisfaction from taking my kids somewhere and telling them, ‘This is a customer of ours.’ The other day I was eating at Waffle House with my son, and he said, ‘so this tea I’m drinking was made and packaged in your plant?’ It was cool getting to tell him yes,” Eric shared.
His appreciation for his colleagues is as equally strong. “My favorite thing about the people I work with is all the different skill levels. We don’t have time to learn every job here, so I have to rely on you, and you have to rely on me. That’s my favorite thing: all the different skills and how we bring them together to make a bunch of stuff happen,” Eric said.
Next, we asked Eric what professional advice he has received that he still uses. Reflecting on the advice that has guided his career, he recalls, “My dad gave me great advice that is the reason I am here today, ‘Work really, really hard and somebody will notice, and you will move up.” His own advice to others is simple yet profound: “Be the person who stands out because of their hard work and integrity. Honesty goes a long way with people, so be a person your leads and co-workers can trust. It’s not all about who or what you know, but about how hard you work and how honest you are,” Eric said.
Outside of work, he enjoys riding motorcycles, fishing, and camping. “Matter of fact, I’ll be doing a Trail of Tears motorcycle ride this weekend in Waterloo,” he shares with a smile, revealing a glimpse of his adventurous spirit.
As our chat with Eric came to an end, we asked him what he thinks sets Royal Cup apart from the competition. “This company has great values and great people,” Eric said. “We are always honest with our customers about everything. If you look at some of the customers we’ve had for a really long time, like Waffle House and our 50-year relationship with Cracker Barrel, it’s a testament to who we are, how we conduct business and how we treat people.”
Eric’s story is a powerful reminder of the dedication and passion that drives Royal Cup forward. As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that his journey is not just about coffee; it’s about the people, the values, and the commitment to excellence that define Royal Cup.
Stay tuned for month’s edition of ‘What’s In Your Cup.’
