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.
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2017 US Roaster Champion Mark Michaelson
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.
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32:35
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32:35
Natalie Van Dusen of Treeline Coffee Roasters
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.
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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