Some coffee roasters come from culinary school. Others from the corporate grind. Matt King came from a stage, a microphone, and a lifetime of music. In this episode of the Coffee Roasting Legends Podcast, Matt — founder of Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee — shares his remarkable journey from touring musician to thriving specialty coffee roaster in Sylva, North Carolina. His story isn’t just entertaining; it’s packed with takeaways for anyone dreaming of building a coffee business.
You can watch the video of our interview at the bottom of this article.The Leap from Music to Coffee
Matt’s introduction to roasting was unconventional — starting with an industrial heat gun, a kitchen colander, and a healthy dose of trial and error. But the real turning point came when he sought mentorship from established roasters. He embraced learning, asked questions, and wasn’t afraid to put himself in new, uncomfortable situations — lessons any roaster can apply.
Why Mentorship Matters
Matt compares his approach to music and coffee: in both, he intentionally surrounded himself with people more experienced than him. That willingness to learn directly from those further down the path fast-tracked his growth. “Mentorship was everything to me,” Matt says. “You show up, you work hard, and you let people be generous.”
Building a Brand with Roots
Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee isn’t just a name — it’s a tribute to Matt’s Appalachian roots and family history. His roastery and coffeehouse have become community gathering spaces where great coffee and live music share the stage. For roasters, it’s a reminder: your story is one of your most valuable brand assets.
Advice for Roasters
Matt’s closing advice is simple but powerful:
- Enjoy the craft. Ask yourself if you lose track of time while roasting.
- Find a trusted mentor. Seek someone whose business model or lifestyle you admire.
- Keep gratitude higher than expectations. It makes the journey better.
Why You Should Listen
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, this episode is a masterclass in building a coffee business with authenticity, grit, and heart. Matt’s story proves that you don’t need to follow a traditional path — but you do need passion, persistence, and the courage to ask for help.
Useful Links
- The Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee webpage is here: https://blueridgebootleg.com/
- Matt roasts on the SF-25
Here is the full interview
