We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Delarosa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, what principle do you value most?
Work ethic.

It’s never really about the most talent to me. Everything can be learned and improved on. What matters to me the most is how hard you are willing to work at it. Consistency is key and having a strong work ethic to keep at it is what I value the most.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My parents immigrated from the Philippines in the 1970s so I am a first generation Filipino American. I believe that fact alone creates an upbringing that fosters hard work. I can’t imagine moving to another country and starting from scratch. My parents did just that and were able to live that American dream while raising three boys.

Professionally, I started right out of high school when I enlisted into the Marine Corps. I was 17 years old when I became a Marine and without a doubt that really set the tone for my adult life. The Marines taught me how to be part of a team bigger than just myself. The values instilled in me during my enlistment in the Marines I carry until this day.

My path definitely wasn’t easy, but I don’t believe I ever really wanted it to. I learned early on to do the work, even if it is difficult, because that will pay dividends later on. It’s like physical training. If you do it properly, it shouldn’t be easy. Running 10 miles isn’t easy. It’s all hard but putting in the hard work early on will give you a better healthier life. I applied that same mindset with my career.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that I chose my own path, listening to my gut and did what I felt made me happy. Doing that on a daily basis has cumulated a full life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It would start at 4am with a run from Carlsbad Village drive down to Ponto beach. Probably a light to medium beach work out after.

At 6 am, I would of course head to Ironsmith Coffee Roasters to grab coffee. Next, we would go to Cafe Topes for breakfast.

For lunch, we would go to Fish 101 in Leucadia. Maybe do a quick ice bath at a friends house and then do a midday hike at Calavera Lake.

Dinner and drinks at Herb and Sea in Encinitas since they use our coffee for a few of their cocktails and as a dessert.

San Diego in general has some of the best weather all year long, so getting outside and enjoying it is a must if anyone is to visit our city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Easily my wife Alexia.

She’s been my guiding light and without her support, I doubt I would be where I am at today. She encourages me to get better every day, directly and indirectly. She wasn’t necessarily with me during the initial stages of Ironsmith Coffee, but she has without question propelled me into new heights with the business.

Website: www.ironsmithcoffee.com

Instagram: ironsmith coffee

Twitter: ironsmithcoffee

Image Credits
Soren Heil

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.