Thank You, Bill Kennedy.
A note about the recent passing of Bill Kennedy, the CEO, owner, and Head Honcho of San Franciscan Roaster Company.
Former R!WC podcast guest Bill Kennedy, the CEO, Owner, and Head Honcho (self-proclaimed) of San Franciscan Roaster Company (SFR), passed away recently. It was a big deal for us to have had the opportunity to interview Bill and then meet him in real life.
Our interactions on the grand scale were brief, but their impact was valued. Bill was generous with his time to me, and provided a much needed boost of courage when he supported my efforts with Roast! West Coast and Coffee People.
Earlier this year, we planned to stop by and visit SFR in Nevada during the Free Coffee Tour. It didn't work out, and we never connected. I told myself that I'd make sure to stop the next time.
I'm grateful I had the opportunity to meet and get to know more about Bill and his coffee journey. The short video below expounds on that. Scroll down for the entire conversation we had with Bill on the podcast. For more insights from Bill, listen to his podcast Coffee Roasting Legends on Spotify, or read through and watch the episodes on www.sanfranroaster.com/blog.
I included the audio from our original interview below, or you can also listen to the podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Bill was a continual quote machine, and there were so many great moments of expounded wisdom. The one I've held onto the most is shared at the end of the short video above, but to paraphrase Bill: In order to make it, you need to make sure you believe in what you're doing, have grit, perseverance, and endurance.
FROM SAN FRANCISCAN ROASTER COMPANY (@SANFRANROASTERS)
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our CEO and President, Bill Kennedy, owner of The San Franciscan Roaster Company.
The loss of Bill is beyond words. He was not only a leader in our industry, but a true legend. His passion, craftsmanship, and deep knowledge shaped countless roasters and coffee companies—our own included. Before his time in coffee, Bill was a teacher and later a principal, and that calling never left him. He had a rare gift for teaching, whether it was the art of roasting or a lesson pulled from history, always shared with warmth, curiosity, and purpose.
When Bill spoke about his younger years, he loved to tell stories of flying small planes—stories marked by the same curiosity, courage, and love of learning that defined his life. His wisdom, generosity, and unmistakable laugh touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Bill leaves behind a loving wife and six children. He leaves a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire this industry for generations to come.
We will honor his life by carrying on what he built—continuing to craft artisan roasters as he would expect. Bill often quoted The Ideal Team Player: “hungry, humble, and smart.” Those words will continue to guide how we work, lead, and care for one another. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.” @sanfranroaster
