how to brew a great pot of coffee???

This is pretty lame, cause at my age I should know better. But I just don't get it. I cannot brew a decent cup of coffee for the life of me.
Even working at a very busy, upscale coffee house for 8 years didn't teach me. Now I can make a cappucino foam that will withstand a Michigan snow storm, but I can't brew a pot of coffee at home. I've tried the suggestions from Alton Brown, Ina Garten and nothing tastes right. Use bottled water, have bought the finest coffee in my opinion, Intellegentsia from Chicago, but I suck at it. Please anyone help me so I can stay away from the local gas station coffee on my morning run!!!