Familiar Face: Noah Smith at The Old Oak Coffeehouse

Those who frequent 2nd Avenue's coffee shop, The Old Oak Coffeehouse, as well as those who regularly attend any community events, have probably noticed some friendly and regular faces behind the counter. This week's Familiar Face is one such barista, Noah Smith, who has been a friendly face at The Old Oak since March of 2022.

Smith started the job when he was on a walk downtown and saw a "help wanted" sign in the window. He went in, inquired about the position, submitted his resume, interviewed, and was welcomed to the team by owners Michael Tomich and Patty Machen.

As a big coffee drinker himself, the job seemed perfect to Smith.

Smith has been a part of the Niwot community his whole life. He attended Niwot Elementary School and graduated from Niwot High School. At age 18, he moved to New York, and later graduated from Hofstra University on Long Island with a degree in theater. "It was fun," said Smith. "I [lived there] for years. It just wasn't really the lifestyle I enjoy." As much as he loves acting and has been doing it since he was a child, making it a career was not feasible nor conducive to his desired lifestyle.

Smith returned to Niwot in the winter of 2021, and after he started working at The Old Oak, he found it much more enjoyable to contribute and engage in the community as an adult. He gets to know some of the regular customers, develops relationships with them, and as he describes it, works with "an amazing group of people."

"Working as a barista seemed like such a foreign concept," Smith said, "but Patty and Michael were so welcoming," not to mention Kate Kleekamp, general manager, as well as all of his coworkers and regular customers who help make the environment so great. "There's not a single person on the schedule whose name I see and then dread working," he said. "Everyone is amazing."

Currently, Smith is finishing up his degree from Front Range Community College with his last few class requirements to graduate to be a Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Earlier this spring, he passed his National Registry exam and will soon have his EMT license.

When he is not on the clock at The Old Oak or working towards his studies, Smith enjoys the occasional video game session, particularly the games "Overwatch" and "Destiny," and being a Dungeon Master for "Dungeons & Dragons." While he claims he is not very good at it, he also enjoys embroidery and crochet. He added that having a love for theater helps with being a Dungeon Master.

On Sept. 14, Smith will be a guest singer again with the House Blend Band during the 2nd Avenue summer concert series. "Every time we hire a new barista, Michael always asks if they can and want to sing with the band," Smith explained. Smith was a guest singer last year, and still plays guitar and piano when he can, so music is still very prevalent in his life. Since going to school to be an EMT, performing was put on the backburner for a while and he does not know when he will get this chance again.

Smith noted the impact working at The Old Oak has had on his life. "If I had gotten an office job somewhere in Boulder or Longmont back in 2022, I wouldn't have the same connections I do now." The community events, such as Let's Wine About Winter and Around the World Day, are especially fun. He loves getting to see the booths and mini-markets that are set up in the atrium outside The Old Oak. "The energy is very high and positive... [I] get to see a lot of regular and new people - there's a new adventure everyday".

While Smith still has a few months left at The Old Oak, he is very excited to become an EMT. However, he will miss the great comradery and environment that working at The Old Oak provides.