Behind every great coffee is a well-tuned machine — and behind every well-tuned machine is a skilled technician keeping it running. With the launch of the Coffee Supreme x La Marzocco Workwear Collection, we’re celebrating the people who make it happen.
This series takes us behind the machine, into cafes and workshops, to hear from the people putting the new workwear to the test in their daily grind. Next up, we chat with Llew, Coffee Supreme’s National Head Technician. From early morning calls to fine-tuning espresso machines, Llew knows that keeping cafes running smoothly takes the right tools, including workwear that works as hard as he does.
Q. Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Coffee Supreme?
A. My name is Llew, and I’m the National Head Technician at Coffee Supreme. I oversee our technical team, making sure our customers' coffee machines are running smoothly, troubleshooting issues, and helping baristas and cafe owners get the best out of their equipment.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you?
A. My day kicks off early, usually around 6:30 a.m., answering calls from cafes needing support. A big part of the job is problem-solving, whether that’s over the phone, in the workshop, or out on the road. Mornings tend to involve servicing machines and fine-tuning setups in the workshop, while the afternoons are often spent on-site at cafes, making repairs or carrying out preventative maintenance to keep everything running as it should.
Q. How has working with La Marzocco shaped your experience in the coffee industry?
A. La Marzocco has been a constant in my career. I learned to make coffee on one, and I learned to be a technician on one. Their machines are built to last, and they’re designed with both baristas and technicians in mind, which makes them really rewarding to work with. The attention to detail and quality in their engineering has definitely influenced the way I approach my work as a tech.
Q. What stands out to you about the new Coffee Supreme x La Marzocco Workwear Collection?
A. The fact that it’s made by Worktones, a Sydney-based company that specialises in high-quality workwear. They understand what people actually need from workwear: durability, comfort, and practicality. It’s designed for people who move all day, whether you’re behind the machine, fixing one, or running between jobs.
Q. How important is functional workwear when working with coffee machines?
A. It’s crucial. Working on coffee machines involves a lot of movement — bending down, reaching up, lifting, and sometimes squeezing into tight spaces behind a bar. You need workwear that allows for that movement, holds up to wear and tear, and has enough pockets for tools, pens, and all the little things you need on hand. If what you’re wearing gets in the way or isn’t comfortable, it can make a long day feel even longer.
Q. Can you share a memorable moment working with Coffee Supreme and La Marzocco?
A. There’s no single moment, but I really enjoy looking after the old girls — keeping the older machines alive and running. There’s something really satisfying about maintaining a machine that’s been in service for years and making sure it’s still producing great coffee. Seeing a well-loved machine get a second life rather than being replaced is always a win.
Q. Why is servicing coffee machines so important?
A. Preventative maintenance — or PMP, as we call it — is one of the most important things we do. Coffee machines are complex, and even the most experienced barista won’t always notice when something’s starting to go wrong. We have the tools, parts, and knowledge to catch issues before they become a major problem, whether that’s checking water quality, fine-tuning pressure, or spotting wear and tear on internal components.
If a problem does come up, we’re one of the few roasters that still has a full in-house technical team. That means when a call-out happens, we already know the history of the machine and the customer’s setup, so we can diagnose and fix the issue quickly. We’ve got teams in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, which means we can provide fast, local support across Australia.
Most roasters outsource their servicing, which can mean waiting weeks (or even months) for repairs. Having an in-house team means we can act fast and keep our customers' businesses running with minimal downtime.
Q. Any final thoughts?
A. I think everyone’s going to love the new workwear. It’s built to last, it looks great, and it actually works for the job we do.
Get your hands on the Coffee Supreme x La Marzocco Workwear here.
