Venecia, Antioquia in Finca el Vergel (Don Emilio’s land)
FOUNDER
As a first generation Colombian-American, Juan Diaz has the passion and pride for coffee running in his blood. Though he has become globally accomplished and connected, his beginnings in the world of coffee were humble. He began learning about specialty coffee as a barista while attending college in Central Florida. At the time, this was simply a means of making income, but little did he know that this part-time gig would awake a passion within him that led to creating a career that would ultimately bring him to lead other young coffee enthusiasts to learn about one of Colombia’s largest exports and most popular.
Juan had spent periods of time living in Colombia while growing up, but his first trip to origin as a coffee professional was in 2018. This experience closed the gap in his mind between being a barista and origin and gave birth to the concept of KWC Retreats. Since that first trip to coffee farms in Colombia, Juan has honed and applied his experience as a barista, manager, trainer, and consultant. He has competed in United States Barista Championship (2019, 2020 , 2023 Finalist #3) Colombia’s Barista Championships ( 2021 & 2023 Finalist #5) and has been involved in other coffee competitions and events globally. Though he still remains heavily connected and involved in the social world of specialty coffee, he now dedicates the majority of his time to guiding industry professionals, coffee enthusiasts, and people of all walks of life though the lesser known parts of coffee’s journey to the cup at origin.
After the birth of KWC Juan was asked to expand the network he built over there years and with help of his team KWC now has other branches like KWC roasting, sourcing, and export.Today KWC is a global coffee network, registered exporter in Colombia and facilites coffee needs around the world.