The Unseen Bean

BOULDER - Despite a slumping worldwide economy, sales of specialty coffee have
continued to grow. The success of the $8.5 billion industry is leading at least one
local entrepreneur into what he hopes will be a successful business. 

Gerry Leary is a roaster who runs the Unseen Bean out of Boulder that caters to the
personalized order. Inside his Tuff shed, Leary senses he's on to something.

"People enjoy coffee and they like getting a good cup of coffee," Leary said. 

And senses are maybe most important when describing his company.

"I tend to pay more attention to what I hear and what I smell," he said. 

That's because Leary can't see. 

Repetition, training at a California coffee institute, a talking thermometer and
timer tell him when the roasting is complete.

"My nose tells me it's going to be a dark roast," Leary said. 

Using Braille on his labels and a personal touch for his logo - his guide dog
Midnight - the Unseen Bean is now serving dozens of happy customers like Nina Meek.

"The coffee he does is really good," Meek said. "It's in small batches and very high
quality."

The beans come from places like Malawi and Zambia and if the business continues like
it's been going, the roasting operation may have to move into his garage.

"A lot of people in Boulder are into really good coffee, so it can only grow," Meek
said. 

You sense the unseen bean might just be on to something, and he doesn't need to see
to know he better start cleaning the garage out.

(Copyright 2003 by 9NEWS KUSA-TV, All Rights Reserved)