Bruno Colozza

Leading the product development, sales, marketing and strategic business development of an artisanal coffee roasting company. Barocco Coffee is served at leading hotels, restaurants, espresso bars, golf courses, corporate offices and independent retailers throughout the GTA. In addition to participating in cultural events such as TIFF, Sundance, Grey Goose Marche, Toronto Coffee and Tea Expo and Lulaworld, Barocco has won 9 medals at the largest global coffee roaster's competition in Portland, Oregon over the last 3 years. (The Golden bean North America). Currently overseeing a new collaborative called Barocco X Nino, a downtown Toronto cafe, roastery, training lab serving that also serves pastries, gelato and fresh foods prepared on premise.

Founder and currently part owner of b espresso bar, now having two locations in Toronto. b espresso bar is a high-end authentic Italian espresso bar. Currently looking to expand into additional locations via licensing and franchising agreements. Previous owner of affiliated Assaggio Catering, which acted as a commissary for food products sold to the espresso bars. Involved in all aspects of the operations from start-up to turn-key opening of each retail location. Responsible for all branding and marketing activities as well as human resource development, product development, supplier negotiations, financial duties and hands-on day to day operations. With Assaggio Catering; managed food production as well as soliciting private function catering and overseeing all aspects of large event planning for various corporate clients.

Start-up of a manufacturer of ready to assemble furniture and components, selling to other OEM manufacturers. Expanded into a 60,000 square foot facility in 1999 and operated a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with 3 operating shifts and over 80 employees. Created the “Bergamo” line of furniture, established a U.S. showroom in High Point, North Carolina as part of the bi-annual International Furniture Market. In my sales and marketing focused role, worked closely with designing and launching new products for retail clients such as Ikea, Office Depot, Staples, JCPenney, Home Depot and Crate & Barrel.

Began as a designer but quickly promoted to managing the development of Associate Dealers in the U.S. At the time, Canac Kitchens was North America’s largest manufacturer of kitchen cabinets. Responsible for evaluating, certifying and training dealership Associates throughout the U.S.including Raleigh, Jacksonville, Minneapolis, Las Vegas and Detroit. Worked directly with the President and VP in negotiating and establishing an in-store showroom trial with Atlanta based Home Depot. The trial was run at their Salem, Massachusetts store.