an owners group, joined for a common purpose
junto exists to be a sanctuary of camaraderie, candid feedback, and professional development—exclusively for owners of coffee roasters.
Owners can expect…
Monthly peer-to-peer coaching sessions and learning opportunities, with optional 1:1 coaching sessions and access to top roastery owners from around the United States.
Each cohort includes:
(1) monthly full-cohort coaching session that is 1-1.5 hours long
(4) books, aditional articles, and resources ($100+ value) that correspond to learning opportunities which have reshaped previous members’ businesses
Access to all past and present junto members via Slack
Shared strategy, feedback and support on projects you’re working on
Each cohort is capped at just 6 seats and kept intentionally intimate
A confidential space to share business challenges, paired with candid feedback
Optional 1-on-1 advisory coaching sessions with Luke Waite
Tier 3: $800
This tier includes:
(6) x 90 minute group sessions
12 months of community access
(4) curriculum books
Ideal for: owners seeking community but aren’t looking for one-on-one coaching.
Tier 2: $1,400
This tier includes:
(4) 1:1 coaching sessions
(6) x 90 minute group sessions
12 months of community access
(4) curriculum books
Ideal for: owners seeking focused growth through one-on-one coaching to tackle one or two projects
Tier 1: $2,500
This tier includes:
(8) 1:1 coaching sessions
(6) x 90 minute group sessions
12 months of community access
(4) curriculum books
Ideal for: owners seeking one-on-one coaching to apply and accelerate the projects you’re working on.
Join the waitlist to be considered for the next Junto.
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Apply by August 2025 to be considered for the January cohort.
What To Expect
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Each junto cohort runs for 6 months and the sessions kick off in January and June.
Reserve your spot in the next one here!
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Junto blends group learning with optional 1:1 consulting aiding owners in meeting their OKR’s, their team development and overall business goals.
Group meetings include:
Learnings and observations from the reading, listening and writing opportunities specifically tailored for owners professional development.
Previous month's wins & losses.
A confidential space to share business challenges paired with candid feedback.
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Within the 4 walls of the virtual rooms of this Junto, what is shared remains between us.
The point is to create an environment where owners can have open conversations around their businesses and their own professional development.
Our community is built on a foundation of unwavering support. Every interaction is driven by a tone of encouragement, aiming not to dictate, but to foster growth through thoughtful questions and insights gained from our own learning.
In this group, collaboration triumphs over competition. Each member is viewed not as a rival, but as a partner in creating businesses that make a positive impact and foster each member’s professional development.
As a member of this Junto, you are stepping into a space where confidentiality is paramount. What is shared here remains between us, creating a safe environment for open and honest conversations.
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4-6 Owners + the Facilitator
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Group Meetings: 1-1.5 hours long
1:1 Consulting Sessions: 1 hour -
The Junto group meet once per month.
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During the application process, each applicant chooses a day/time that is best for them and the majority of votes will determine the day/time for the Junto group to meet.
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Each meeting will be held virtually.
the next junto starts in January '26
the next junto starts in January '26
Apply to by the end of August to reserve a spot.
Owners say…
Andy Fuchtman
Sidecar Coffee
“I have seen myself...from the outside...through conversations with other owners and that's a hard perspective to get but a super helpful one.”
Julie Luster
Three Waves Coffee
“The Junto program was a game-changer for Three Waves Coffee. With Luke's guidance across sales, production, and packaging we implemented changes that turned our financial struggles into a story of success. Thanks to Luke, Three Waves Coffee is now on a promising path to profitability. I highly recommend Pomelo for anyone ready to enhance their coffee business strategy and achieve tangible results!”
Murtaza Aziz
Ceramic Coffee Roasters
“For me, the writing prompts, the voice assessment, and the accountability have been most helpful.”
who will facilitate?
who will facilitate?
Luke Waite
Luke Waite is the founder and principal consultant of Pomelo Coffee Consulting, known for transforming struggling coffee roasters into highly efficient and profitable businesses.
Roastery Experience
Before consulting, he worked with four Chicago-based roasters (Metric Coffee, Five & Hoek Coffee, Passion House Coffee Roasters and Pickwick).
Consulting Approach
Luke created a framework (Core 7) for working with roasters that stems from his experience and expertise in running cold brew companies, overseeing sales and pricing strategy as well as branding and operations. He takes a holistic and integrated approach to client engagements.
Speaking
Luke frequently speaks on leadership and operations at events like Specialty Coffee Expo (‘25, ‘24, ‘23), Go Fund Bean (‘23), Coffee Fest Chicago (‘22), the Wilmington Coffee Fest (‘24, ‘23) as well as at Cafe Inclusivo (‘22) a project of Swisscontact.
His Goal
To help roasters achieve operational stability so they can make a positive impact on the industry and world.