Coffee Roasting Legends

In this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends, I sit down with Mike Arquinis, co-owner of Mostra Coffee, the acclaimed San Diego roastery honored as Roast Magazine's 2020 Micro Roaster of the Year. Mike shares his inspiring journey from culinary arts to coffee roasting, highlighting how his team leverages their unique backgrounds to craft award-winning coffees that uplift farmers in the Philippines. Together, we discuss the importance of vision, trust, and community in building a successful coffee brand. Mike also reflects on navigating the challenges of the pandemic and the innovative strategies that helped Mostra thrive. Join us for an insightful conversation filled with passion, resilience, and the artistry of coffee roasting.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

When you hear Don Cox’s story, it’s hard not to feel inspired. Don, the founder of Bald Guy Brew, built his coffee roasting business on perseverance, innovation, and a deep passion for quality coffee. From roasting coffee on his porch after a hurricane to coaching over a hundred aspiring roasters, his journey is as rich and layered as the coffee he crafts.