Nicolas brings more than 25 years of expertise to the coffee industry. His journey began in Europe and eventually led to the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia. Before joining Neumann Kaffee Gruppe in 2023, Nicolas spent more than a decade in the coffee-trading division of a multinational commodity house. In his most recent role, he oversaw operations and strategic initiatives in Brazil, Peru, Colombia and the United States, contributing significantly as a key member of the leadership team.

Nicolas’s influence extends beyond executive roles. He has presided over the Council of CECAFE (Brazilian Coffee Exporters Association) and served on the board of Asoexport (Colombian Coffee Exporters Association). Currently, he is an active board member of the National Coffee Association of U.S.A., continuing to shape the future of the coffee industry.

Thomas Silva joined Neumann Gruppe USA in July 2023 and completed the transition to chief financial officer in February 2024.

Thomas has more than 20 years of experience in finance and controlling in commodity-trading businesses including oil, energy, metals, soft commodities and, of course, coffee. Before joining Neumann Gruppe USA, he oversaw finance operations for a green coffee merchant in the United States, Colombia and Brazil.

Thomas has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, with dual concentrations in finance and accounting. He graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern University in Boston and is also a Certified Public Accountant.

After graduating from St. John’s University with degrees in business administration and economics, Joe DeMarco started his career as a management trainee for a large U.S. coffee roaster. Initially, he was assigned to the traffic team to learn logistics and help train users on their ERP system. Later, he analyzed the cost savings associated with shipping green coffee in “house-to-house” ocean containers.

Joe then moved to accounting and subsequently to the finance team as an analyst, where he developed and ran computer models to simulate the cost impacts of changes in production blends. Eventually, he was added to the IT team to help develop a local area network (LAN) and a new ERP system for the company.

Realizing he preferred solving complex problems using technology — and eager for greater challenges — Joe became an IT manager for several coffee importers before making his way to Rothfos in 1995.

On his first day at Rothfos, Joe was given a Dell PC and instructed to “computerize” the organization.

Over the past 30 years, at Rothfos and then eventually Neumann Gruppe USA, Joe has supervised many IT projects, including selecting the company’s first ERP and installing its first LAN with email and internet integration.

During his time at the company, Joe has had the privilege of working alongside some of the finest colleagues in the industry and, with his wife, raising a beautiful family.

Samriti “Sam” Kaushik began her professional journey as an engineer, and she holds a B.Tech degree in computer science. Over time, her growing interest in people and organizational dynamics led her to pursue an MBA in human resources.

Once she began her career in HR she was smitten and has remained in the field since. Before joining NKG, Sam held core HR roles across multiple industries and gained experience working in cross-cultural environments.

At NG USA, she oversees all HR functions across the company’s North American offices.

Chris Miceli has been the Head of Financial Reporting for Neumann Gruppe USA since 2021, joining the team in Hoboken after a decade in public accounting at BDO and KPMG. In his role, he oversees monthly reporting to NKG in Hamburg as well as the annual U.S. audit and tax processes.

As a proper native son of Northern New Jersey, Chris loves Taylor Ham, Bruce Springsteen and having complicated emotions about New York sports teams. He currently lives in Brooklyn with his partner, where you can usually find him sipping his morning coffee while doing Wordle, taking weekend trips to the beach, reading vast numbers of sci-fi books and cheering on the Mets.

Linda Lin joined Rothfos in 2020 as Head of Futures and Risk Management, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in both futures and options.

She began her career in commodities as an intern on the New York Board of Trade in 1998. Linda then spent more than 10 years on the trading floor and became a partner at MBL Commodities, part of East Coast Option Services, before trying her hand in brokerage.

Linda later ventured into the energy commodity derivatives business with ICAP and later at ADM Financial Services as a Relationship Manager for its Softs Desk.

While a lifelong New Yorker, Linda now lives in New Jersey with her partner and two daughters. As someone who enjoys the little things in life, one of her favorite routines is stepping into a neighborhood cafe, longing for the smell and taste of coffee, and enjoying the spoils of what she trades on a daily basis.

Michelle Maisto is a writer and marketer with a lifelong love of food and storytelling. In the coffee industry she’s found a meaningful, globally relevant focus — and a passionate, like-minded community.

She is the author of The Gastronomy of Marriage, a memoir published by Random House in 2009, and holds a Master of Fine Arts in nonfiction writing from Columbia University. Her writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times, Forbes, Saveur, Gourmet, Roast and Barista Magazine, and she has held nearly every editorial role in magazine publishing.

As head of marketing at Neumann Gruppe USA, Michelle leads branding and marketing for InterAmerican Coffee, Rothfos and NG USA. She also serves as project coordinator for the Neumann Kaffee Gruppe Partnership to Advance Coffee Equity (NKG PACE), a racial equity initiative created in 2021 in collaboration with the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity.

Marvin Velasquez began his career at Toshiba International Corporation in Houston, first as an intern and then as a full-time employee for two years. He entered the coffee industry in 2002 with InterAmerican Coffee, in Houston, and in 2018 transitioned to Neumann Gruppe USA in New York.

Today, he serves as logistics manager for NG USA, overseeing the seamless movement of coffee across three divisions: Rothfos, InterAmerican Coffee and Atlas Coffee Importers. His role touches a vast number of business-critical details, and the dynamic nature of supply-chain management continues to fuel his curiosity and drive.

Marvin also has a deep appreciation for the diversity of coffee and its unique ability to connect people and cultures around the world. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing and kayaking.

A key member of the finance team, Juan Rivas joined Rothfos more than 20 years ago and played an instrumental role in the founding of Neumann Gruppe USA. As accounting manager, he helped guide the team through that transition — and many others — and he remains a steady, knowledgeable presence at the heart of the organization.

Juan holds a degree in finance from Borough of Manhattan Community College.

Kathy Huaylla joined Neumann Gruppe USA in 2021 as a logistics coordinator, where she was first introduced to the dynamic and fascinating world of coffee. Her early experience in logistics sparked a genuine interest in the industry and laid the foundation for her continued growth within the company.

A few months after joining, she transitioned into the role of accounting specialist, aligning her career with her academic background. Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Montclair State University and is eager to continue growing professionally.

Known for her positive attitude, Kathy enjoys collaborating with teams and contributing to a supportive and productive work environment.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in biology from Austin Peay State University in 2019, Karen Guzman transitioned into the corporate world through a data entry role at a surgical supply company in Nashville. Her analytical background supported her growth into operations and logistics roles, and when the company moved to permanent remote work, she returned home to New Jersey.

In 2021, career opportunities brought Karen to Manhattan, where she took on an on-site project management role overseeing the finances and logistics of a new division. Seeking greater autonomy and work-life balance, she joined Neumann Gruppe USA in 2023 as part of the finance and accounting team, supporting the InterAmerican Coffee business unit.

Karen is passionate about growing her career in finance and has found both professional development and a welcoming team environment — especially among the InterAmerican traders and quality control team, who kindly support her decaf-only coffee preference.

Kevin Shannon was raised in the country and educated in the city. A diverse professional background working for celebrity chefs and entrepreneurs led from a career as a certified Sommelier to a career in Cybersecurity/IT. While hospitality may not be the first thing you think of when you think of being successful in IT, both blend science, art and critical thinking. Being able to grow his career in an industry so akin to the world of wine has made joining NG USA the perfect fit.

Elizabeth Rodriguez has been a valued member of Rothfos since 2006. She began her career in the accounting department, where she applied her background in business management and accounting for more than a decade.

In 2019, she transitioned to the role of document specialist, where she ensures the accuracy and integrity of essential documents. With nearly 20 years of experience at Rothfos, Elizabeth takes pride in her work, values the positive environment and enjoys the strong relationships she’s built with her colleagues.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in accounting.

Amanda has worked in Specialty Coffee for 15 years. She’s been a licensed Q Arabica Grader since 2016 and is also a USCC Head Judge and WCE Sensory Judge.

The majority of Amanda’s career in coffee has centered around quality control and education. Still, she’s performed a variety of roles (including barista, production roaster, trading assistant, quality control coordinator and logistics coordinator) and is always eager to learn and share that knowledge. Presently, Amanda works in Marketing for Neumann Gruppe USA and is the education lead for the NKG PACE program.

Josh has always had a passion for learning about trading, particularly in the areas of risk and futures. Growing up in Puerto Rico, he spent nearly a decade working in his family’s café businesses. This early exposure to business management and coffee influenced Josh’s decision to pursue a degree in International Transportation & Trade from SUNY Maritime College.

After college, Josh gained valuable experience working in various logistics roles for four years, including both customer service and broker-side positions. He later spent two years with Neumann Gruppe USA’s Logistics team before joining Rothfos in April 2020.

Josh currently works closely with the Futures and Risk Management desk, focusing on reporting different market aspects including settlements, open interest and warehouse-certified stocks.

With a keen interest in market dynamics and a strong background in logistics and trade, Josh brings a unique perspective and dedication to the Rothfos team.

Celin Garcia is new to the coffee industry and already loving the journey. Currently working in the Inbound department, she is gaining hands-on experience with the logistics side of the business. A graduate of Kean University, Celin previously built a strong foundation in finance and banking. Now, she’s excited to blend that background with a genuine love for coffee as she grows into this new industry.

Wesley Rigonato’s path to logistics began with a love of international travel and a knack for coordination. Originally from Brazil, he started his career as an interpreter, helping bridge language gaps for overseas clients. That early experience laid the foundation for a career built on communication, precision and global perspective.

Today, Wesley is an inbound logistics coordinator at Neumann Gruppe USA, where he manages coffee shipments, warehouse placements and claims processes with a sharp eye for detail and a steady hand under pressure.

Before joining NKG, he worked at Global Shipping Services and TAP Air Portugal, gaining experience in high-volume logistics, customer service and operational oversight.

Whether tracking cargo movements or resolving disputes with carriers, Wesley thrives on keeping things moving smoothly. He’s known for his collaborative approach, problem-solving mindset and ability to stay calm in fast-paced environments.

Outside of work, Wesley is passionate about soccer, movies, video games and spending time with family. These interests keep him grounded and energized, and they reflect the same curiosity and enthusiasm he brings to his professional life.

Monika Tandon began her career in logistics in 2008. Working in Customer Service, she assisted with sending pre-shipment samples to big-box retail stores and creating shipping orders for trucking companies.

Originally from New Delhi, India, Monica believes that the challenges of becoming part of a new country have meaningfully shaped her personal journey. She finds working at Neumann Gruppe USA — especially under the leadership of Nicolas Rueda — to be deeply rewarding. Each day brings engaging new challenges and opportunities, which she enjoys solving alongside a great team and supportive manager. She looks forward to each morning!

Outside of work, Monika enjoys watching movies and television shows.

Originally from Ecuador, Santiago Chiriboga studied hospitality and tourism before moving to the United States, where he earned an associate degree in general studies. Throughout his career, he has remained passionate about customer service, which has shaped his professional path.

Santiago joined the coffee industry four years ago at Panamerican Coffee, a roastery in Hoboken where he worked in green coffee management. He recently joined Neumann Gruppe USA as a logistics coordinator and is excited to contribute his expertise and enthusiasm to the team.

Joseph Sullivan found his way into the world of coffee early, visiting the ICE exchange as a child with his father to watch coffee being graded and cupped, and exploring RPM warehouses where he observed how coffee is stored and sampled.

During and after college, he worked at Massimo Zanetti, where he cupped coffee samples for quality approval. He eventually shifted his focus to the import side, joining Rothfos as part of the inbound team. For the past four years, he has specialized in claims and recovery, working closely with inventory management and marine insurance.

Enrique Silva holds a degree in psychology from Rutgers University. He began his career in logistics through roles in the food and food safety sectors, where he earned ServSafe certification. Coffee has been part of his life and culture from an early age, inspiring him to explore its complexities and global impact.

Today, that passion fuels his work at Neumann Gruppe USA, where he combines logistics expertise with a lifelong appreciation for coffee. In his free time, he enjoys snowboarding at every opportunity.

Liliana Buenaventura brings with her nearly 17 years of experience in logistics, with a specialization in import and export. She began her career in freight forwarding in Ecuador, where she contributed to several high-profile national projects, including the importation of Ecuador’s railway system and the installation of liquid petroleum gas-station infrastructure.

She studied Foreign Commerce and later earned a Master’s in International Business and Trade. After moving to New Jersey with her family to broaden her personal and professional horizons, Liliana joined the coffee industry. Today, she serves as a Logistics Coordinator with Neumann Gruppe USA, overseeing the inbound coordination for coffee from Colombia and helping to ensure the smooth flow of coffee to U.S. clients.

Known for her passion for continuous learning and her ability to navigate complex systems, Liliana is a dedicated and valued member of the team. Outside of work, she enjoys DIY home projects, exploring Manhattan and, of course, drinking coffee.

Ankitha Varanasi is a recent graduate of Stony Brook University, where she majored in sustainability studies.

She gained experience working on sustainability-related data analytics and certifications in various commodity industries before moving into coffee. While coffee is a new industry to her, she values its relevance to sustainability and enjoys learning more — especially as someone who personally enjoys coffee. She currently works as a sustainability assistant and data analyst, supporting Neumann Gruppe USA’s sustainability initiatives.

Before joining NG USA, Ankitha worked in the prestige cosmetics industry, an area she is deeply passionate about. She also served as a graphic designer for a university organization, reflecting her personal interest in creative work.