How Coffee Transformed My Life: Brad Butler at TEDxGoldenGatePark (2D)

In June 2009, Brad Butler traveled with his 3 cousins through the jungles of Panama with the goal of building that sustainable living community in the form of an Eco-Village. Through his journey, Brad discovered cooperative coffee farming and focused on bringing those practices back to the United States. Once there, he and his family began roasting cooperatively grown coffee on stove-top popcorn poppers. Today, Bicycle Coffee delivers their fresh roasted beans to more than 250 businesses in the Bay Area.
www.bicyclecoffeeco.com/
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
This talk was shot shot and edited in stereoscopic 3D by Golden Gate 3D and Area 5.
gg3d.com
area5.tv
To view in 3D, click here: • How Coffee Transformed...

[@beckyweaver5981]

This guy practiced in front of a mirror and memorized pages and pages of this monologue to try and present it as a true inspiring Ted talk. When it's really a commercial for his coffee.

[@michbushi]

Seriously.. Why isn't this talk titled "how I started my own small company, and based my sales strategy on a sentimental story, that I am also going to sell to you", TED?

[@mrshiningold10]

it's a ted talk on being trapped in something that you're not happy with. Just because it's tied-in to a product doesn't make it bad or misleading. It could easily be seen as an ad, marketing and sentiment tie-in, or a talk on being happy and doing what you really want. The fact that it is all these things is a plus, not a minus.

[@JackPillawa]

now you know how he earned money, it was a dickmove with the title

[@gatheringwithin]

Having autonomy and owning your time are the most valuable possessions you can ever have. amen

[@christinawalsh1656]

Truly inspiring! I heard every word you said! Thank you, you are making a difference! You certainly made a difference in my life today! Thank you!

[@RikkiPrince]

I remember when TED talks taught me interesting things, rather than just being extended adverts for your new startup.

[@sameerkassam9975]

Silicon Valley has taken over Ted

[@miahleissa9599]

Thank you. I found this talk very inspirational with a number of important social messages as well as more personal ones. What a beautiful man. We need more of you! :) The world would be a better place, and individuals would be happier and healthier! very nice video

[@terrynadosy1013]

I found this to be informative and very interesting, self made inspired stories are some of the strongest rooted business. They have a direct link to the end goal or foundation the business was built on... Kudos to Bicycle coffee and their continued success!

[@roelrachoindustrialautomat2016]

I sacrifice myself for the future of my family. And i know my life was not wasted. Because i knew i inspired someone specially my son to be motivated in life. Even though life is too short to waste time. But my time was not wasted.

[@ellein-lohm2491]

You are so cool, I like the way you say about '' Passion" . You inspired what I am doing. Thanks a lot.

[@Emma13684]

Excellent!!! Inspiring and love the community element too ☕️🕊🙏🏻

[@QuickTalks]

The most worthwhile message here is that you can trade your time for money but not your money for time. The title is a bit misleading as it makes it sound like we're going to learn something amazing about coffee, but it's really just about his passion for coffee and how he started his business.

[@panagiotispanos2555]

Initially I thought this was a story of how coffee genuinely saved your life, I love Ted stories like this. A bit disappointing now discovering that it's just an advertisement with a chance of career storytelling. Glad you're having a blast mate

[@SteamboatCoffee]

props to a guy who chose to "be the change" - it's never too late in your life to make a difference - for YOURSELF - for those you impact. Go #BicycleCoffee Go!

[@kaelisaac]

Rode my bike to Walmart to buy Nescafe today.

[@mangoyacho]

Kudos to you Brad! Thanks for sharing your inspiring story!

[@TheProjectionist21]

That's the way my cynicism led me to judge people. And what this talk taught me is that hope transcends desperation. Am at a point in life, where I want to believe in myself. I cannot afford cynicism. In fact, it is cynicism, that has cost me my dreams. This man, could have pressed more sophisticated machines into service, and done what Starbucks or any commercial operation does. Instead, he kept the most important ingredient integral to his work ... a human focus. Good for him.

[@bobjamer8956]

At first I thought it was going to be a story how coffee saved your life, as in non stop stamina to achieve your goals. Well, you were successful selling loans and it was time consuming, yes. But, running a small business you are married to that business 24/7 or else it will fail. If building relationships selling coffee makes you happy then more power to ya. I hated selling mortgage loans when I was a loan officer...dealing with underwriters and flaky borrowers and yes, banging on that phone for hours got old.

[@santiagohernandez..]

We need more humans like him.

[@kathiri09]

Adorable, quaint and thoughtful talk.

[@minimalistmomo8687]

man. I am inspired. thanks. may you be well and happy.

[@StillinEden]

LOVED this speech by Brad Butler. You can see that a wealthy young man made a drastic change - saw the only future as being ecological AND doing what you love.

[@robertweekes5783]

The business model makes sense in big cities like LA and San Fran because it's trendy but it wouldn't work in small towns. Another big selling point is the coffee is freshly roasted, which apparently is a big deal (see Asher Yaron TED coffee video). I want to try it soon!

[@mathewlindsey5282]

It's easy to give it all up when you have plenty of cash in the bank!

[@eniaronoslen8659]

😄

[@laowai2000]

Can vouch that it is not easy even if you have money. There are expectations from society, family and friends to keep on the treadmill. Tough if you have been in the corporate would, as in time you will be shunned by corporate world if you ever want to return.

[@333Jord]

i loved this alot thank you for this brad butler

[@jachmd]

Inspiring and uplifting Brad. Thanks.

[@bitchy_bitch5909]

I hope this guy finds his greatest needs, and hearts fondest desires.

[@plutoplatters]

Now that we're growing softer and softer by the minute... maybe open up a company " Coffee by Electric Bicycle LLC " ??

[@tanjuhassan3836]

Awesome stuff, congratulations !!

[@vjr6939]

Was great speech, I did something very similar after a decade in finance, went back to sports with my family.

[@plutoplatters]

Read " Caffeine Blues" 1998...... Then ponder this talk. Great book.

[@Andreas0705]

Fell asleep before the get-to-the-point-of-coffee-changing-your-life

[@abrahanespinoza3709]

i waa the first costumer . 5 years ago 7am at Broadway produce market in the town (oakland). she dint have change for 20 so i left a tip.

[@tainarosado9332]

inspiring indeed ..not only I love bikes but the combination its perfect I'm glad you made your move and are now in a happier place you made me grab a cup of coffee .ill be following your company would love to try your coffee .

[@MrDavesbox1]

this really hits home......i have a hectare of land in Guarare , Panama, 2 cabins so far ....now im planning on starting to build something......i hope i can find some friends to teach us aquaponics.....and how to grow some healthy organic plants for enjoying and export! cool video makes me feel like it was a good choice....thanks!

[@dazzlingdollylutz]

Funny how I often find a YT Video long after it's been done. I don't even know if Bicycle Coffee still exists.....( I hope so, for all that Brad and his Cousins did to bring it into existence).....but I do not see this as a "Sales Pitch" in any way. I'm encouraged by Brad's insight at such a young age.......and by his courage to quit something that could have continued to keep him "rich", but was robbing him of a real life. Good for him for getting out of the "rat race" that millions are still caught up in. If you really listen....you will hear many good things that he learned about overcoming, persevering, learning to trust his "gut" and about co-operating with others to get his dreams full-filled. In the process of his personal growth, he also inspired others to develop themselves, and he increased his skills to get to where the Company was making money. ALL good lessons.......and even more important, he and his "small Company" are bringing pleasure to a lot of Coffee Lovers, and money to the Cooperative Farmers for growing it. Win-Win-Win.

[@AllHolla]

+Dazzling Dolly Lutz Hi Dolly, thanks very much for your reply and kind + insightful words. It's hard talking in front of an audience and cameras about something you've learned and love. Bicycle Coffee is still around. And if you're ever in Oakland, please stop by for a cup on the house. Or stop by any Friday, it's Free. Best Wishes.

[@coperniciaalba180]

I did not think I would love this talk. I am crying Love right now. Though I own my time at where I live I want to go over there and do that with u guys.

[@robertsabatini5627]

Brad, I can't express how much your speech motivated me. Your story is incredible. I've tried to find a way to contact you, I have a dream that I want to fulfill and I'd like to get some advice.

[@AllHolla]

Great feedback here. ; ) For the coffee story watch the 2nd half.

[@robvedar3186]

Who.s Steve Jobs? You.re a natural up there on that stage.

[@martyoconnor7211]

Congrats on your Ted Talk!

[@AllHolla]

rob vedar Thanks Rob! I'm glad you thought I was natural. Being in front of so many people was a bit unnerving at first!

[@AllHolla]

Marty O'Connor Awesome. Thanks Marty!

[@BochaAtomik]

Hello Brad, I´m from Boquete, very glad to hear your story and specially, that you found that opportunity in my homeland, thanks!

[@MadYarMadYar]

A great story. Thanks.

[@johncardona6592]

Good stuff. Keep it up the good work.

[@AgredaWOLF]

Wao. I am just in that point of risking in the unknown. I love coffee and I'd love to make a living out of my passion. Really inspiring story

[@asasrsls4614]

Great idea. Hope it brings success

[@qazwas2001]

So... after collapsing the economy with sub-prime mortgages he "quits", coincidentally just after the gravy train goes off the rails, because he has an epiphany that maybe the possessions he acquired through his "personal shopper" weren't making him happy. In June 2009 - while America is burning- he goes on a spiritual trek through South America. I couldn't hate this guy any more than I do...

[@yvettep1093]

qazwas2001 Are you a Virgo? :)

[@jimmybaggs5342]

Sagittarius

[@yvettep1093]

LoL... Sag's are funny. :)

[@moriah1394]

Love your comment..i'm gonna skip watching this. No need to hate him though...it is what he represents. I live in CA and can tell you a decade ago I started smelling the trend of dot.com folks or financial spin off types who "Bravely" chucked their 6 figure jobs to start lama ranches etc. and who then told the rest of us how it just takes courage. I worked on an organic sustainable farm where the hipsters owners took great care of livestock and grew amazing food but overworked and underpaid and berated workers and gloated over the farm "They created"...oh wait, it was paid for bought for million bucks by their parents with Air Force and VISA corp. "Earnings" and retirement funds. It is the culture that creates such crap.

[@Armandojosue]

qazwas2001 epic

[@hasnaahmad3537]

Beautiful abd inspiring

[@AntonioCS]

"Things you own end up owning you" - Tyler Durden

[@chris432t6]

Great success story.

[@AllHolla]

Forward to 13:00 for the quick summary.

[@MsCordially]

I liked his talk a lot. I say good for him making his company. I do believe however that it's a no brainer to sell coffee. Coffee will sell ALWAYS , EVERYWHERE . If you can find it and make a logo - spread it around a bit, there ya go. The world loves coffee. I could package it and sell it too - if only i could get the beans. But still, good for him and his co. He has every right to make a coffee co. The hateful comments on here are from those who will always be bitter . Many of them want their lives to be greatly changed by some speaker in a video - instead of changing it themselves.

[@ExtraordinaryLiving]

+MsCordially Yup, those hateful people (the people who made those hateful comments), unfortunately, wouldn't know that they will never attain the success, richness and abundance, happiness, freedom, etc. that they want . . . all because of who they are with their negative energy--they will not attract the positive things/people/circumstances they need to make their lives just as great as this speaker. They will simply continue to be critical, skeptical, complaining, hateful, and bitter. :)

[@memoryrinehart4452]

Das ist richtig.

[@popupzdotcom]

if it's so easy then you do it. The higher the demand for a product, the more competition.

[@nncoco]

I thought this was a great story because there is an element of challenging the status quo in it. I was imagining how hard it would be in many places to hit the streets with coffee carts. We need people like this to get our lives back from corporate control.

[@MaryjOKC]

Love it.

[@DoctorDemetri]

"I did not own my possessions. My possessions owned me." "The things I bought and my condo payments prevented me from doing the things I wanted" "Having autonomy and owning your time are the most valuable possessions you can ever have."

[@troyhayder6986]

I'm definitely happy that mtv is still a thing in the real world...

[@johnmonroy8353]

Bienvenidos a Colombia tierra de Buen Cafe .

[@marythr2617]

That was Boquete, Panamá. I have been there few times.

[@LuisVelazquez32]

It's funny how everyone finds a way to believe what they do is "helping people." These relationships you built were not real relationships--not even short-lived real ones. They weren't real to them, and they weren't real to you. You're just telling us they were, like you tell yourself. The homes (I mean people) you sold were a bad thing. And you knew it. That's what bothered you, and burned you out. Now, finally you've found passion, and it doesn't involve helping people either. But at least it doesn't involve hurting them.

[@nat424242]

I enjoyed Fightclub too; it's the same story (more-or-less)

[@loisraymcinnis6006]

I was always trying to make my coffee taste good and a friend asked: "Are your sure like coffee?"

[@hukes]

This guy's "insightful" phrases remind me of Hank Azaria's in Mystery Men. Just twisted phrases with obvious truths that enlighten nothing.

[@justalover0123456789]

The Last part is the Best part ^_^

[@moebius435]

Now I have to brew coffee

[@marloncru]

Incredible how much his story lines up with my own, from real estate, to even me working at real foods, to Panama and of course coffee! Crazy!! I hope one day we cross paths brother.

[@Emma13684]

People who criticize don’t understand. And they don’t have a Ted Talks.

[@candicewinner]

what was the part when he took of 2 layers of clothes for? what was that to show

[@mjparent222]

yep!

[@ceojr1963]

Their natural resource if not sold, means they go hungry, He is keeping them in business by buying from them and helping them get their local products out to the world. And he is also using human power to deliver naturally sourced coffee. Would you rather a big huge multinational go mow the local farmers down and build huge factory farms??? And his adventure trip started in the area of which his business is in, they walked to south america.

[@geoffreymatheka9056]

Its inspiring Experience!

[@48acar19]

They should use a label for such business oriented films. I don't care where you sleeping with your cousin, but this is about making money, not about science!

[@bougiitty]

seriously thought this was about turning to fight club until he mentioned coffee..

[@megokura824]

What about the saxophone that you were so passionate about?

[@kilppa]

It wasn't him who was passionate about playing a sax.

[@marser6085]

He already forgot....hahaha. Great story to promote his business.

[@purethccheck]

I think he is brave. Good stuff.

[@Goomatora]

I had to question whether or not this was ironic several times

[@cyunt8743]

same

[@1025susie]

I want my time back! !!

[@plutoplatters]

a lot of the "Ted" people are so good they sound like commercials ! feels a little suspect at times....

[@MasonOfLife]

You can spend your money to pay your bills and buy your food though which is essentially buying time And if you have a family you are buying them time as well by giving them a place to live and food to eat to provide for their needs Unfortunately money is essential in buying time, without it you can’t eat and you starve, you don’t have a place to sleep, you’re on the streets No food, no home, no water....not how I’d want to spend my time

[@christiaankrause6387]

I reckon he has a great story. 'We' do what society expects us to do, which is become a capitalist and work your ass of, for a shitload of money. We use our neighour to reflect on our own succes, and at least have to make more the year after. Which all reminds me of the famous ''mexican fisherman'' story Why not persue your dreams?

[@brandonrock09]

musicians are inspiring not a local once preppy college kid now turned entrepreneur..

[@auraxfire]

I thought this was something about drinking coffee smarter, not longer.

[@meltingEyeballs]

4:18 Wrong, I can buy the time of others with money. :)

[@Fearlesskash]

but cant get your own time back...

[@davidgaian4789]

*reads the many edgy comments and mumbles to himself "tough crowd"*

[@katherinewatlington7044]

RICH PEOPLE COMPLAINING

[@James-xn8xe]

+John Snow Not really that surprising when you think about it. Society portrays money as almost everything. People expect to be happy if they have money. Some people realize that money won't make them happy, some get stuck in the vicious style of trying to get more of it in hope of becoming a happier person, this is known as greed. Don't be surprised when people with money complain, maybe their's a reason celebrities often die from overdosing on drugs or suicide, maybe they're in search of happiness, an internal battle which they can't handle because they've been covering it with materials and money for too long.

[@jackaslan314]

+Katherine Watlington Money does not mean happiness. This dudes career was set, life was set, but he wasnt happy. So broke it all down and started over and succeeded. And It was not luck, when Steve Jobs got fired from apple, he started over and built Next and Pixar from scratch. All Im saying is you can learn a thing or two from these people.

[@kwatlington1]

+Baran E Money is not everything but 99% of issues/problems can be solved with M O N E Y. So yes, money can "buy" stability..... confidence..... Happiness. I don't know any "happy" poor people. I know happy rich folks.

[@plutoplatters]

ha... never see that happening ! lollll.... also the medium scale sect ..

[@project10bball]

Never heard of a retail loan officer making 7 figures. And his job sounds like more a telemarketer to me lol

[@abhattach21]

So what's so special about their coffee again? It's freshly roasted, is that it?

[@panagiotisterzopoulos9737]

all of the coffee delivered at the supermarkets is not fresh roasted,its dead.So yes that's really important,because almost none of us tasted good coffee yet

[@melanin4267]

INSPIRATIONAL POSSESSIONS ARE POSSESSING AGAIN INPIRATIONAL.I LWT SO MYCH GO IN MY LIFE AND I FEEL AMAZING.TIME IS ON MY SIDE.MISSED OUT SO MUCH.PEOPLE HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO LET GO AND STOP VALUEING THERE LIVES AROUND MATERIAL GOODS.ITS TIME TO WAKEUP

[@MrNikeakle]

Not sure if this is Ted or an Infomercial.

[@JayPersing]

Okay, how do i get a job with this guy?

[@donaldwymer2791]

your comments have given me a whole new Perceptive.of TedX. Fake News.Where you get your coffee could be a trap ,a snare,a net..a network

[@NickCarrel]

"I would have to sell my image..."

[@DigitalEyesStudios]

8 minutes in before mentioning coffee. Could have simply said "I was living a high end unfulfilled life making a great deal of money until I gave it all up to start a coffee based business and found my calling in life." TED talks used to be about world changing topics and thinkers, not self promotion. Just my opinion.

[@mediacritic]

DigitalEyesStudios Yep. This sucks. There are many baaaad TED talks now, when once they were almost all worth watching.

[@evafodor892]

Love surprises!

[@mrshiningold10]

Couldn't you say that the tie in to a real result is an important part of the message? Do you think more people will take the message more seriously now that they have seen it really work? So many wealthy people I know see this kind of message as something artists and performers can do, but not anyone else. Seeing someone feel so free and fulfilled, AND be in the business world helps the message be taken to heart by more people.

[@PS-qn4oz]

I liked the story, I feel like the KZbin comments under TED talks are always hypertensive and "that's not good enough." Stresses me out reading some of these comments. Ridiculing his CLOTHES? Really now.

[@GetUnwoke]

Quitting caffeine transformed my life for the better.

[@plutoplatters]

Did you read " Caffeine Blues" 1998 ??? If not "DO".

[@plutoplatters]

1. It's Coffee.

[@malenky4057]

When will 'ex-pats' start being called immigrants? It works both ways.

[@pepe247]

Malenky I hadn't thought about it this way , but you certainly pose a valid question & statement.

[@BroccoliBeefed]

Malenky Ex pats are only immigrants to the country they've migrated to, not to the country they've left

[@guloguloguy]

IMHO: Mr. Brad Butler looks like the twin brother of Mr. James O'Keefe!!

[@PhilippeOrlando]

Please, that guy quit his job after making tons of money. How do I know that? Well, after having fun and travelling to South America he comes back to the States to end up in...San Francisco. He was able to actually live and pay rent in SF after months of not working. Enough said. End of story. That guy's experience is not applicable to you.

[@whatthefunction9140]

Wait what happened to brandon?

[@donaldwymer2791]

Story tellers , Deceptive merchants.mar-chants. Sailors ,fish stories

[@josephbrown6118]

1 of my goals in life is to be on TEDx by the time im 30 and tell my story like this guy.

[@devansingh3323]

Where's the bicycle weed?

[@Lado93]

+Devan Singh shut up and listen !

[@rdvgrd6]

+Ladislav are you on your periods?

[@Lado93]

yep

[@ivanduke]

LOL but a money maker!

[@donaldwymer2791]

Story tellers , Deceptive merchants.mar-chants. Song of the Sea... Sailors ,fish stories

[@almonddavid]

Yes, a guy that was hyper-motivated in the first place. The talk should have gone: "I'm an extremely competent, driven, successful guy. No matter what I did or do will be a success. I happened to have the luxury to talk a bunch of time off since I stashed away a huge amount of money from my immoral, exploitative job. Then I got the brilliant idea to simultaneous assuage my conscience to help the poor, but 'authentic' slobs in Central America, and find another way to make yet more money. Now I want to brag about how I am: Helping poor slobs, ending global warming, etc.." Don't forget my really cool reference to an ancient Greek king, I'm an intellectual too! I'll bet he gets laid a lot1

[@ianluger2687]

David Almond this is a great way of looking at a different angle. Hahaha. at first I didn't see it that way. but hey. never too late

[@donaldwymer2791]

David Almond so insightful

[@thathobbitlife]

This opinion seems near correct to me. Coming from a woman, a mother, a student of community college.. I can't empathesize for him unfortunately. All his "luxury" this or that just burns at me. I can't hear beyond the bragging I made it half way almost. Gotta go now*..

[@carlahotrock9097]

Agree with you... He found a better and easier way to make MORE money! Extremely smart guy!

[@18_rabbit]

entirely disagree with all five of you. He didn't sound like like was bragging at all. He has a close knit family, which many of us do not. Btw, there's nothing immoral or exploitative about creating loans. David Almond, your narrow vision of finance is nauseating and IS a small example of a part of the dysfunction that has been happening in the USofA-- especially in the past several years, six or so, in the country. Far too complex to get into here, but your assessment and your judgement is way way off. There are several immoral or exploitative jobs, but loan creation is not one.

[@brandonrock09]

i like how this guy just uses his good life hes always had and now we are shareing this chapter of it and hes actually thinking we are inspired? come on. he didnt do any of this without his large bank account dont let him fool ya!

[@QuaaludeCharlie]

:) QC