The Napkin Sketch That Sparked a Revolution
For Michael Hartkop, coffee has always been more than just a beverage—it's a lifelong pursuit of innovation, sustainability, and community. What began as a simple desire to roast coffee became a groundbreaking approach to coffee production, using the sun's power to fuel an entirely solar-powered roasting process.
Today, Solar Roast Coffee is not just a business but a movement, proving that sustainability and quality can go hand in hand.
Mike's journey into coffee began 21 years ago, which amazes him. "It's pretty wild that I've been doing anything that long in my life," he chuckled. His early days as a barista in a Borders Bookshop in Salt Lake City were more than just a job – they were a discovery of a true passion.
From Barista Dreams to Solar Beams
I loved that," he recalled, his voice filled with nostalgia. This passion followed him to Tasmania, Australia, where, as a student, he studied entrepreneurship and innovation, all the while honing his skills behind the espresso machine. It was there that the seed of his future venture was planted.
He began crafting business plans for a coffee house, fueled by his love for the brew. However, fate had other plans. Circumstances brought him back to his parents' home in Medford, Oregon. This detour turned out to be a pivotal moment. He reunited with his brother David, an inventor tinkering with solar contraptions in the backyard. It was a serendipitous meeting of minds. Mike, with his coffee dreams, and David, with his solar fascination, embarked on a unique venture.
Over pints at their local pub, the duo sketched out a design on a napkin—an unconventional roaster lovingly dubbed the "Helios 1" was built from a repurposed 10-foot satellite dish.
Get the full pour…
Their story is a testament to the power of innovation, the importance of community, and the unwavering pursuit of a dream. Find Mike’s story in the inaugural issue of Local Coffee Talk Magazine—subscribe today to get your copy.
Ads may contain affiliate links