“The Internet is huge, winning is huge.” That’s the motto of The Webby Awards, a leading international award bestowed on the best of the Web. That’s why we’re really proud that the “The Unseen Bean,” a video created by our supremely talented friends at Dark Rye, Whole Foods Market’s online magazine, was nominated for a Webby Award in the Documentary, Individual Episode category.
Take a look. And if the story of Gerry Leary inspires you, cast your vote in the People’s Voice section of The Webby Awards opens in a new tab. Voting ends April 25!
The Unseen Bean: Roasting Coffee In The Dark opens in a new tab from Dark Rye opens in a new tab on Vimeo opens in a new tab.
Gerry Leary has been blind since birth, yet he mastered a craft that is heavily dependent on sight—coffee roasting. When Gerry first became interested in pursuing this project, after spending 30 years as an auto mechanic, he was unable to find a professional coffee roaster who could teach him the job without relying on visuals.
Gerry relies on roasting coffee by sound or smell, and after looking for work for over a year, he started his own company called “The Unseen Bean opens in a new tab.” So it was fate when a Whole Foods Market team member met Gerry at an event for The Blind Café opens in a new tab. The Dark Rye opens in a new tab team knew immediately that they wanted to profile him for the online magazine.
“When I was first considering the story, I was primarily caught up with the physical logistics of how Gerry ran his business — he still roasts every batch by hand, nothing automated,” said Ira Chute, producer at Whole Foods Market. “But what I came away with was an unforgettable impression of the man himself, and the irrepressible good nature and human spirit that is so alive in Gerry. He's an inspiring guy, and I feel lucky to have been given the opportunity to tell his story.”
Dark Rye opens in a new tab profiles dreamers and makers like Gerry in communities across the globe.
Tell us about someone that inspires you. Share their story in the comments below.
