In this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends, I sit down with Luke Waite, founder of Pomolo Coffee Consulting, to discuss his innovative framework, the Core 7, designed to help coffee roasters build sustainable and profitable businesses. Luke shares his journey from a coffee enthusiast to a consultant specializing in operational efficiency, focusing on the essential elements that every roastery must manage—sales, product quality, cash flow, and team dynamics. We explore how his upcoming book, "The Owner's Manual: A Guide to Sustaining a Coffee Roaster," offers actionable insights for roasters at any stage of their journey. Join us as we delve into the challenges and solutions within the coffee industry, emphasizing the importance of structure and community for success.

From the bright lights of the music stage to the warm glow of a roastery, Matt King’s journey is a masterclass in following your passion — and building a business from the ground up.

In this episode of the Coffee Roasting Legends Podcast, Matt — founder of Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee in Sylva, North Carolina — shares how mentorship, grit, and gratitude shaped his transition from touring musician to specialty coffee roaster.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your coffee business, Matt’s story will inspire you to take your next step with confidence.

What does it take to go from roasting lab samples to winning the U.S. Roasting Championship?

In this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends, Bill sits down with Eduardo Choza, the 2024 U.S. Roasting Champion, to hear the full arc of his story—from learning the craft on a San Franciscan SF1 to mentoring the next generation of champions. Eduardo shares what it means to roast with intention, how he bounced back from early setbacks, and why community and humility have fueled his journey.

In this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends, I sit down with Marishon and Finch Clark of Freebird & Co. to explore their inspiring journey from corporate America to launching a purpose-driven coffee business. The Clarks share how their passion for creating a values-based legacy led them to the world of specialty coffee. We discuss their transition from HR professionals to coffee roasters, the challenges they faced in setting up their roastery, and the profound impact of community engagement. Discover how their operation, centered around their beloved roaster "Goldie," blends art and science to create exceptional coffee experiences while supporting mental health initiatives. Join us to hear how Freebird & Co. is transforming lives one cup at a time.

In a special twist on our usual format, this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends doesn’t feature a seasoned expert reflecting on decades in the industry. Instead, we meet Frank from Marco Island Coffee Roasters—a passionate newcomer standing at the starting line, looking forward. Host Bill Kennedy explores Frank’s early experiences, including his and his wife Morgan’s vision for building a community-focused coffee space in Florida, and their hands-on training with U.S. Roasting Champion Mark Michelson. From dialing in roast consistency to preparing for opening day, it’s an honest look at what it takes to begin a roasting journey with quality, humility, and heart.

Mark Michaelson's journey in the coffee industry, from his beginnings as a pastor to becoming the 2017 US Roaster Champion and Director of Education at San Franciscan Roaster Company. Mark shared his expertise on coffee roasting techniques, teaching methods, and the importance of balancing technical skills with sensory engagement, while also discussing his involvement in training new coffee entrepreneurs.

San Franciscan Roaster's Bill Kennedy sat down recently for a talk with Natalie Van Dusen owner of Treeline Coffee Roasters in Montana.

When Natalie entered the coffee industry, she noticed the landscape was still heavily male-dominated—especially in roasting. But she didn’t let that stop her. Instead, she leaned into community, built strong networks, and made sure she invested in tools that could stand up to the demands of a growing operation.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sarah, founder of Fetch Coffee, as she shares her journey from coffee enthusiast to specialty coffee roaster and advocate for animal welfare. In this episode, Sarah dives into the challenges and triumphs of building a brand that balances high-quality coffee with a mission-driven purpose. She talks about the equipment choices that shaped her roastery, the lessons learned from opening a café, and the impact of Fetch’s donation program, which supports dogs in need with every bag sold. Whether you're a coffee lover, an aspiring entrepreneur, or an animal advocate, this episode is packed with insights and passion. Watch the full video on YouTube or listen to the podcast on your favorite platform.

In the heart of the North Dallas coffee scene, a new institution is making waves. Roasting Headquarters (RHQ), founded by industry veterans Jodi and Abby, is more than just a roastery—it’s a center for education, community, and innovation in specialty coffee.

San Franciscan Roaster’s Bill Kennedy sat down with the duo to discuss their journey, the vision behind RHQ, and their unwavering commitment to improving the craft of roasting.

Jeff, Karen and B share their story of their lifelong love of coffee which ultimately led to them opening a coffee shop and then moving to roast their own coffee. They discuss their journey, the challenges they had to overcome, and their future plans for their business