Bill Kennedy recently had the pleasure of interviewing a true Coffee Roasting Legend, Don Cox of Bald Guy Brew. 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 during a hurricane to coaching over a hundred aspiring roasters, his journey is as rich and layered as the coffee he crafts.
You can watch the video of our interview at the bottom of this article.
Don's Bold Journey
Don’s journey into coffee roasting began unexpectedly. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, he received financial support from three individuals who believed in him. He used that opportunity to buy his first 6-pound San Franciscan Roaster. For over two years, Don roasted on that machine, learning the art of coffee roasting one batch at a time. Eventually, he upgraded to a 25-pound roaster, marking a significant milestone in his growth.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Don didn’t have it easy. Operating in a small market, managing cash flow as a bootstrapper, and carving out a niche were just a few of the hurdles he faced. A devastating fire once destroyed his operation, but instead of giving up, Don pivoted, launching online sales and finding ways to keep his dream alive—even roasting coffee outdoors after a hurricane had damaged his building. His commitment to eco-friendly, traceable, and organic green beans became a cornerstone of his business.
Coaching and Tailored Training
Don’s philosophy is not just about roasting coffee but building a community of successful coffee roasters. Since 2016, he has coached over a hundred individuals, tailoring his training to their specific goals. His approach includes hands-on coaching, sensory training, and manual data logging to help aspiring roasters develop clear plans for their businesses. Remarkably, of the hundred people Don coached, only two are no longer in the coffee roasting business—a testament to his impactful mentorship.
Lessons Learned: Bottlenecks and Breakthroughs
Don openly shares the lessons he’s learned along the way. He admitted that his biggest bottleneck was himself—trying to do everything on his own, from roasting to deliveries. Reflecting on his early years, he wishes he had invested more in marketing and sharing his story. He now recognizes the value of communicating the “why” behind a business, a lesson he passes on to those he coaches.
Looking Ahead
Despite facing health challenges and planning for a heart procedure, Don remains optimistic and focused on what truly matters: spending time with his family, creating meaningful content, and continuing to support others in the coffee roasting industry. His humor and humility shine through, as he jokingly advises those starting out in the industry to consider gin or bourbon instead of coffee.
Don Cox’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, adaptability, and passion. His story reminds us that challenges are opportunities to innovate, and a clear sense of purpose can drive success even in the most competitive industries.
Useful Links
- Don's Bald Guy Brew website is here: https://baldguybrew.com/
- The Coffee Roasters Don uses are the SF-6 and the SF-25
Here is the full interview
