pushcasa

Here is some context: I am the founder of Nomadic Coffee. We are a 100% organic coffee roasting company. I started with a credit card about 5 years ago, quit my real job as a college administrator in an architecture program, and combined what I love: poetry, coffee, and conversation. I started roasting in San Francisco, put a poem from local poets in every bag (still do), and built a pushcart. The pushcart is a kid stroller frame with a wooden box made from recycled redwood. I go for walks, unfold the cart to a table, serve coffee, and podcast the conversations along my walks.

To my chagrin, the company has been fairly successful - we (now a team of 6 people), roast in Berkeley and we are in over 200 stores, cafes and restaurants. In growing sales I had to temporarily put aside the cart project but now there is a clearing and I would like upgrade it. I see Nomadic Ground (which was the original name of the company but now represents only the poetry project and podcast) as my core motivation in this business. Much more competent team members are working on the coffee!

I'd like to evolve the podcast into a more serious effort - going for multi-day (weeks?) walks and talking with a wide range of California writers, artists and everyday people. Or themed walks - such as a 735 mile walk to the NSA data collection center in Bluffdale Utah - thinking and talking about privacy rights along the way. Perhaps Nomadic Ground becomes a weekly syndicated radio show. The cart must still be under 80 pounds and carry water, have a collapsable canopy and flat surface that comfortably sits 2 people. There must be adequate storage to house a tent, sleeping bag, and pad as well as some basic food, small stove and fuel.

I would like to retain the 3 wheel runabout frame as it is incredibly sturdy and has proven itself among long distance walkers. The hippie wooden box needs replacing and something else can be built on the frame; note that the box sits well on the frame and is easily removable - This is not necessarily a requirement but it is nice to be able to take apart the cart in case it needs to be stored or hauled up stairs.

I like the idea of having an old school microphone hanging between the two people conversing. I have the collapsable stools which are awesome. A canopy can insulate from wind which actually turned out to be a complete hindrance in getting good recordings.

I could see a canopy/netting that extends down from the cart to create a tent that can be slept in....

Honestly, I have a hard time imaging the upgraded cart which is why I requested an illustrator - someone who can imagine something more sleek, and thoughtful.

In some ways the cart could resemble a bug or insect in nature - I think there is opportunity for bio mimicry in the design.

The current cart is too homespun and doesn't convey a serious podcast or effort. Once I have a sketch of the new upgraded cart I will locate a fabricator.

I'd be happy to give you a tour of the roastery and show you the cart. We are located down by aquatic park in Berkeley. Tuedays are our production days. Please feel free to give me a call.

Regards, Thomas 415-624-9804

Here is a walk-around video of the cart from last week:

https://youtu.be/YpsFEsGD0_s

Here is a recording I made from my pushcart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUyomHFRw-Q