Introducing Everybody Cleans, an unexpected life lesson from Compass Coffee.

Picture this: I’m standing in a café, steam rising from an overworked espresso machine, milk foam cascading over my hands like I’m auditioning for a comedy sketch about hapless baristas. This wasn’t exactly what I envisioned when I signed up as a marketing intern. But here’s the kicker—it turned out to be the best possible introduction to Compass Coffee’s ethos.

One of our core values at Compass is "Everybody Cleans." At its heart, this mindset isn’t just about scrubbing countertops or mopping floors. It’s about teamwork, humility, and leading by example. Whether you’re the CEO or the new hire, no one is too important to roll up their sleeves and dive into the work that keeps the ship running smoothly. And let me tell you, this ethos isn’t just a policy—it’s a culture.

My First Day in Coffee Academy

When I started my Compass journey, I was ready to market coffee, not make it. Yet, there I was at Coffee Academy, learning how to pull a perfect shot of espresso and, yes, how to clean a bathroom. Was I intimidated? Absolutely. Was I bad at it? Oh, without a doubt—milk explosions were my specialty. But I quickly realized that this crash course was more than a quirky initiation. It was about understanding the product and the people we serve.

Making coffee isn’t just about the grind (pun intended); it’s about connecting with the customers who walk through our doors every day. Being behind the bar taught me more about our audience than any marketing meeting ever could. It gave me a front-row seat to their routines, their preferences, and even their quirks (shoutout to the quad-shot Americano at 4pm crew).

Everybody Cleans in Action

"Everybody Cleans" isn’t just a mantra—it’s lived out in every corner of Compass. One of my earliest experiences was at the Bitcoin Policy Summit. Picture Michael, our Founder and CEO, not just talking about small business and Bitcoin but also pulling shots of espresso and stocking ice. It was a masterclass in multitasking and humility.

Or take Free Coffee Friday at West Falls Church. This event is Compass Coffee’s way of giving back to the community, offering free coffee as a gesture of appreciation and connection with our neighbors. The whole team showed up at 4:30 AM, ready to take on the day with smiles and energy, despite the early hour. Everyone welcomed customers and old friends, setting the tone for an incredible day. Max, our CRO, was supposed to oversee the event from a high level, but when the morning rush hit, he jumped behind the register, greeting customers with the same enthusiasm as someone handing out lottery winnings. It was leadership by example at its finest—a true display of how the "Everybody Cleans" mindset turns daunting days into moments of connection and teamwork.

The 14th Street Turnaround

One of my favorite "Everybody Cleans" moments was the whirlwind opening of our 14th Street café. We got the keys, and two weeks later, the doors were open just in time for Pride. It was a mad dash of hammering up photos, applying vinyl decals, and assembling sandwich boards. Every department came together—construction, marketing, operations—all united by a shared goal: open the café for Pride and donate the profits to Capital Pride Alliance.

The buzz on opening day wasn’t just about the coffee (though it was spectacular); it was about the feeling of community. Customers marveled at how quickly we turned things around, but for us, it was just "Everybody Cleans" in action. We all wanted this space to be a welcoming haven, and we made it happen together.

Black Friday Chaos (With a Side of Fun)

Then there’s Black Friday. If you’ve never experienced it at Compass, imagine controlled chaos fueled by caffeine and camaraderie. I and a team of baristas joined our distribution center to help pick and pack orders—one of our busiest days of the year. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was essential. And true to Compass spirit, we found ways to make it fun.

Andrew and Tripp, heads of distribution and roasting, turned box folding into an Olympic sport. Who knew corrugated cardboard could inspire so much competitive spirit? By the end of the day, not only were we efficient, but we also created a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Why It Matters

"Everybody Cleans" is more than a catchy phrase. It’s a mindset that fosters respect and efficiency, breaking down hierarchies and reminding us that we’re all part of the same team. Whether it’s stocking milk, flipping open a new café, or pulling espresso shots at a high-profile summit, every task contributes to the bigger picture.

For business owners, adopting this ethos can transform workplace dynamics. It encourages leaders to get in the trenches and show their teams that no task is beneath them. For employees, it’s a reminder that even the most menial jobs have value—and often lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and connection.

The Lesson

So, to the young professionals in DC navigating their first jobs or the seasoned managers grappling with workplace power dynamics: embrace the "Everybody Cleans" mindset. It’s not about the task itself; it’s about the attitude you bring to it. Sure, scrubbing a bathroom isn’t glamorous, but it’s a reminder that no one succeeds alone. And who knows—you might just learn something valuable in the process (like how to fold a box faster than Tripp).

At Compass, we believe the best teams are the ones where everyone pitches in. And if that means exploding a little milk along the way, well, that’s just part of the fun.