Luke Waite on the Core 7: Building Sustainable and Profitable Roasteries
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.
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32:42
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32:42
Matt King of Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee
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.
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30:11
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30:11
2024 U.S. Roaster Champion Eduardo Choza on Purposeful Roasting and Mentorship
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.
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31:20
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31:20
Freebird & Co: Trading Suits for a Purpose-Driven Coffee Business
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.
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36:53
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36:53
Frank from Marco Island Coffee Roasters
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.
Coffee Industry veteran, Bill Kennedy of San Franciscan Roaster Co. Interviews different legends who have shaped the coffee roasting industry and influenced the range of specialty coffees enjoyed by millions of people across the United States.
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