In 2009, he left his government job behind to become a full-time coffee business owner, purchasing a farm in Guji. His wife, Meskerem Tomas, manages the harvesting operations on Buku Abel, their nearly 40-hectare farm.
Coffee cherries are laid out in thin layers and dried on raised beds for approx 15-21 days depending on weather. During this time the coffee cherries are constantly turned throughout the day to ensure even drying and all under-ripe cherry is sorted out.