The Service Layer Co-Op (SLC) is Building a National Network of Coffee Techs

Ryan Baughn, Matthew Campbell and Spencer Perez of Service Layer at the 2024 SCA Expo in Chicago. SLC press photo.

A grassroots network of coffee equipment technicians has formed a first-of-its kind cooperative called the Service Layer Cooperative (SLC), focusing on providing coffee businesses throughout the United States with reliable, expert service from local, independent technicians.

The new cooperative — which is officially registered in Nebraska and launched with five interim board volunteers — traces back to the Discord servers launched by three experienced coffee technicians: Mike Sabol of Liminal Phase; Randy Phillips of Underground Mountain; and Eric Decker of Espresso Meccanica.

As the Service Layer Discord communities grew, serving as a valuable resource for hundreds of service techs throughout the country, some leading members of the Service Layer members-only Discord servers hatched the idea to organize a business.

In an announcement shared with DCN, the SLC said that members shared a collective vision for independent coffee techs to have greater access to specialized training, and an improved competitive position against private-equity-backed drop-ship retailers.

The group said it is working to build in-person and virtual educational opportunities to improve the average quality of work in the trade, and to bolster members’ capacity for collective bargaining with equipment manufacturers.

Membership for the cooperative is opening first to existing, established Service Layer Discord members, then soon after to new members, cooperative representatives told DCN. The group plans to launch with two paid membership levels, one for employees of independent technician companies ($9.99 per month, or $100 per year), and one for owners ($24.99 per month, or $250 per year).

Current SLC board member Spencer Perez, of Coffee Machine Service Co. in Chattanooga, Tennessee, said employee members will receive access to most of the members-only Discord servers, plus discounted rates for SLC events and trainings. 

The SLC is maintaining a map of all its members, so local coffee businesses can find the nearest qualified techs. 

“This is just to start,” Perez told DCN. “We’re hoping to flesh out more benefits and offerings as the organization matures.”

Jon Ferguson, Matthew Campbell and Spencer Perez of Service Layer. SLC press release photo.

According to SLC board member Matthew Campbell of Invoke Coffee Equipment Sales & Service in Youngstown, Ohio, there will also be a free tier, for non-voting cooperative members to receive some educational and social access. Technicians interested in joining the co-op are encouraged to fill out the application form here.

To ensure quality of service for cafes, restaurants, roasters or other businesses seeking local technicians, the cooperative is planning an extensive vetting process for new members, including Discord participation for a set length of time, and an assurance of independence.

“As operational commitments go, SL members cannot work for or share ownership with VC/PE parties,” Perez said. “These interests, more often than not, are a scourge against collective wellbeing for the people who work hard in local communities to make great coffee happen.”

The cooperative is also setting standards related to equipment and maintenance, ensuring that co-op members install and service the equipment that they sell — rather than outsourcing — and that they have planned maintenance programs, and do not sell machines outside their service radius.

“Many members have long histories working in or owning specialty coffee companies and they’re eager to leverage that experience to their customers’ benefit,” the SLC said of the Service Layer philosophy. “This improves their satisfaction with the chosen equipment, keeps more money in local economies and further benefits those coffee communities’ participants.”

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