An operations consulting firm for coffee roasters.

Luke Waite

Principal Consultant | Speaker | Writer

Who is Luke Waite
He is the founder and principal consultant of Pomelo Coffee Consulting, known for P&L-integrated pricing, strategy, and increasing net profit in coffee roasteries and cafes.

Roastery Experience
Before consulting, he worked with four Chicago-based roasters (Metric Coffee, Five & Hoek Coffee, Passion House Coffee Roasters and Pickwick), opening cafes, building education and sales programs, and overseeing operations at roasters with direct reports of upwards of 20 people.

Consulting Approach
Luke created the Core 7 framework, which is his approach to guiding roasting businesses to operational sustainability. His approach stems from his experience and expertise in running cold brew companies; sales and pricing strategy; as well as branding and operations.

Speaking
Luke frequently speaks internationally on leadership, sales, and operations. He has shared his expertise at leading global industry groups and events, including World of Coffee (‘23-‘26), Sucafina (‘26), Coffee Fest (‘26, ‘22), Wilmington Coffee Fest (‘23-‘25), Go Fund Bean (‘23), and Swisscontact (‘22).

Writing
Luke sends out a monthly newsletter, and he also wrote a book on the framework he uses to guide roasters to operational sustainability called The Owner’s Manual: A Guide to Sustaining a Coffee Roaster.

His Goal
To help roasters achieve operational stability so they can make a positive impact on the industry and world.

California​ + Florida​ + Georgia​ + Idaho​ + Illinois ​+ Iowa​ + Kansas​ + Montana​ + North Carolina​ + New Jersey +Pennsylvania + Tennessee + Texas + Virginia + Honduras

California​ + Florida​ + Georgia​ + Idaho​ + Illinois ​+ Iowa​ + Kansas​ + Montana​ + North Carolina​ + New Jersey +Pennsylvania + Tennessee + Texas + Virginia + Honduras

Where We’ve Worked


We’ve worked with 38 coffee roasters internationally.

Why Pomelo?

Born with a love of bright and sweet coffees that resemble the flavor of a pomelo and a deep desire to build a more equitable coffee supply circle.

What we believe.

There’s a lot wrong in our industry, but our job isn’t to throw up our hands just because that’s how it’s always been. It’s to make it better for those who follow us.

Our approach is a way of life. Caring deeply about the people throughout the supply circle, our desire is to see them flourish, grow, and change our industry for the better.

That’s Pomelo - for the good of the people.

Have Luke speak at your next event.

Schedule a call to work out the details and define what is best for your event.

In The News