Joel Gingrich

Joel Gingrich is a creative entrepreneur and coffee industry professional based in Waterloo, Ontario. He is the Principal at Skull & Flower Design and Co-founder of Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters.12

Professional Background:

• Creator and Co-founder of Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters, a craft coffee company in Kitchener1
• Co-owner of Death Valley's Little Brother Craft Espresso & Whisky (DVLB)1
• Has experience in design and marketing, previously working as an Art Director at Toronto agencies1

Design Philosophy: Gingrich is known for his unique approach to design, particularly in creating coffee spaces. He designs businesses around the buildings they inhabit, focusing on architectural details, materials, and historical context.1 His coffee shops feature distinctive design elements, such as custom furniture, exposed brick walls, and thematic mascots that represent the dual nature of the spaces.1

Creative Approach: He views coffee as a "means to an end" that allows him to express creativity. His design work includes custom wood furniture, strategic space planning, and creating environments that tell a story. At Smile Tiger, for example, he created a space with handcrafted finishes that complement the original industrial materials.1