About Our Team

• Mark Hamelink - Owner and Chief Coffee Aficionado
  IMany years ago Mark longed for a great cup of coffee which he couldn't find in the small Michigan town he called home. He embarked upon a journey to create the coffee shop he longed for. He wrote business plans, joined specialty coffee associations, attended coffee conventions, toured roasting facilities in Italy and in general fed his hunger for great coffee by researching (and tasting, and tasting, and tasting......) coffee. It took 18 years to realize the dream in True North. As the chief coffee enthusiast in residence he has brought the highest quality fresh roasted coffee and drinks that he could find to Mena. When not hanging out in the business he is a practicing nurse anesthetist. He feels that these are complimentary vocations; not only can he put you to sleep but he can wake you up with a great cup of coffee.
  
• Tamara Hamelink - Reluctant Co-Owner
  It was never Tammy's dream to have a coffee shop. In fact, it had never entered her mind. She was dragged into this deal crying and screaming (OK, maybe just a quiet "are you crazy! It will be your coffee shop not mine.") Fortunately, Tammy loves people and couldn't resist a chance to help her husband fulfill his dream. She has found an outlet for her well practiced shpping skills as the primary buyer for True North. When not out shopping or smoozing with the customers, she may be found baking some of our homemade breads using her own time tested recipes and managing the kitchen. She serves as True North's mother hen, providing oversight to our staff and customers, insuring that everything functions well.
• Deb - Barista
  Deb usually works our lunch hours. When not busy behind the counters, she loves to engage our customers in conversation. If you don't know what to talk about, just ask Deb about her grandchildren.
  
• Kelsey - Barista
  Kelsey is the youngest of the Hamelink children to work at the Coffee Shop and she feels that the best part of working at True North is "getting to eat the food". We share the feeling and are proud that our staff, as well as our customers, enjoy what we serve. Kelsey is a student with a strong interest in social networking.
• Kryn - Barista
  While Kryn enjoys a good cup of coffee, his primary love is Tea. If you have tea questions, he is the man to ask. don't be concerned if Kryn doesn't get to close to you, it's ok. He is recovering from a kidney transplant and is a bit of a germaphobe.
• Mitzi - Barista
  Mitzi has worked at True North for both previous owners and is our most senior worker. She is most often found at True North in the early morning getting everything ready for our day and is ready to wake you up with a fresh cup of Joe in the morning.
• Kayla - Barista
  Kayla loves nothing more than to serve up a beautiful drink. She is the creative mind behind many of our drinks (ask her about the sugar free "Kayla Special"). Her artistic talents may be seen in some of her drink creations and when business is slow, ask her to impress you with her latte art. Kayla is also a college student and avid horse lover. There is no where that she would rather be than on her beloved horse Harley.
• Catherine - Barista
  Catherine is an avowed coffee devotee who truly believes that no day should ever begin without a great cup of coffee first (we here at True North support that notion). She is a college student who, when not working at True North, can often be found just hanging out here. Ask her about our Bearcat Sizzler Pannini, it's her favorite.

 

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