We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katie Matheny a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I grew up as a farm kid, which meant work was simply a part of daily life. From a young age, my siblings and I had both inside and outside chores, and by around age 12, my parents had us picking berries at a relative’s farm each summer. We were expected to earn enough to buy our own school shoes—not because our parents couldn’t afford them, but because they wanted to instill in us the value of hard work, responsibility, and understanding the worth of a dollar.
That foundation stuck with me. As I got older, I took on a variety of blue-collar jobs while in high school and college. It was during those years that I saw firsthand how showing up consistently and working hard opened doors. It wasn’t glamorous work, but it gave me grit—and that grit still shows up in how I approach my business today. I don’t shy away from the hands-on, behind-the-scenes, or less-than-glamorous moments, because I know that’s where the real momentum is built.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the VP of Sales and Client Experience at Intentional Espresso, a luxury mobile coffee catering company based in the Pacific Northwest. We specialize in creating high-impact, high-touch coffee experiences at corporate events, weddings, and brand activations. But what we really do goes far beyond coffee—we help brands and hosts connect with their audiences in a personal, memorable, and meaningful way.
Our coffee bars often serve as the first interaction guests have when they walk into an event, which means we’re not just making drinks—we’re setting the tone. That’s something I take seriously. I work closely with every client to understand their goals, their vibe, and what success looks like for them. Then, we build a tailored experience that brings that vision to life—whether that’s custom-printed lattes, branded carts, or just the kind of service that makes people feel seen and taken care of.
What excites me most is the storytelling. Coffee is such a familiar and approachable medium, but when paired with thoughtful design and intentional execution, it becomes an immersive moment that people remember—and talk about. That’s powerful.
Right now, we’re in a really exciting growth phase. We’re expanding our branded service offerings and investing in new mobile cart builds that allow for even more customization. We’re also growing our recurring client partnerships, especially in the corporate and hospitality space, and exploring new ways to make coffee a strategic part of marketing and guest engagement.
At the heart of it all is this idea: it’s not just coffee. It’s a strategy. And I love helping people see what’s possible when you reimagine something as simple as a cup of coffee into a moment that sparks connection, conversation, and delight.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have shaped my journey more than anything else: fundraising experience, being naturally personable, and confidence.
Fundraising taught me how to relate to people—not as dollar signs, but as humans with needs, goals, and hesitations. It helped me see that sales is really about service. When I approach a potential client, I’m not pushing a product; I’m offering something that can help them create connection, elevate their brand, or make their guests feel something special. That mindset shift—seeing my work as a solution, not a sell—changed everything.
Second, I’m naturally personable. I’m not afraid to pick up the phone and have a real conversation. Some people prefer to communicate through email or text—and that’s great—but others appreciate someone who can walk alongside them, especially when they’re planning an important event and making big decisions. That ability to connect, to listen, and to make someone feel at ease has helped me build trust and long-term relationships.
Finally, confidence has allowed me to use my voice—literally and figuratively. Whether it’s showing up on camera, recording a voiceover, or just speaking passionately about what we do, I’m comfortable being seen and heard. That’s been key to growing our brand presence and getting the word out in a way that feels authentic.
Advice for someone just starting out? Practice seeing your work as service. Focus on how what you offer helps real people solve real problems. Don’t be afraid to be human in your interactions—it builds trust. And even if confidence doesn’t come naturally, take small steps to put yourself out there. You’ll grow into it—and your business will grow with you.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes—we’re actively looking to collaborate with brands, agencies, and visionaries who are dreaming big.
We’re especially excited to partner with people who understand that experience is the new marketing. If you’re crafting a campaign, activation, or branded moment that needs to feel immersive, unexpected, and unforgettable—coffee can be your secret weapon. Think Eggo’s waffle-themed coffee shop or David Yurman pop-up moments with intentional sensory touch points. We want to be part of that kind of thinking.
We’re not just here to pour lattes. We’re here to co-create brand-aligned experiences that spark emotion, build connection, and live rent-free in your audience’s memory. If you have a wild idea, a bold concept, or a brand story that deserves to be felt—not just seen—let’s talk.
You can connect with us at intentionalespresso.com or reach out directly on LinkedIn. We love collaborating with creative minds who want to push boundaries and make something people won’t stop talking about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.intentionalespresso.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/intentional_espresso
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intentionalespresso
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-matheny-695275230/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/intentional-espresso-portland
Image Credits
Marcela Pulido
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
