Inside Look: Alan Kao - 30 Years of Roasting, Mentorship, and Passion
Meet Alan Kao, Assistant Manager, and one of the guiding hands behind the signature roasts you know and love.
Originally from the island of Guam, Alan moved to the Bay Area with his best friend—and fellow Peet’s team member—Ralph Blas, in pursuit of a shared dream of making music.
What started as a job to support that dream soon turned into something much more: a 30-year journey of growth, craftsmanship, and community at Peet’s Coffee.
Tell us about how your career at Peet’s began—and how it’s evolved over the years.
I started at Peet’s in 1995 in the Mail Order Department at the Heinz Street warehouse, packing whole beans and ground coffee for customer shipments. I also supported our 65th Street Roasting Plant, prepping daily orders for our retail stores.
As the company grew and operations moved under one roof at 1400 Park Street, I transitioned with the team and was eventually promoted to Roaster. That was a pivotal moment—it marked the start of my roasting career, which I’ve been proud to build over the past three decades.
I’ve been lucky to learn the craft from some of the best in the industry—Roastmaster Emeritus Jim Reynolds, our current Director of Roasting John Nicolini, and our current Roastmaster and Senior VP of Coffee, Doug Welsh. Their mentorship shaped not just my skills, but my leadership style and passion for the work.
What has the Peet’s community meant to you throughout your career?
You’re only as strong as the team around you—and I’ve been surrounded by some incredible people. I genuinely love the team I work with, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support, guidance, and camaraderie.
Over the years, I’ve realized Peet’s isn’t just a company—it’s a community. From our Roastery in Emeryville to our team in China, every connection has meant something. I’m proud to be part of something bigger than myself, surrounded by people who care deeply about the work we do and about each other.
Looking back, how has Peet’s shaped your personal growth?
When I joined Peet’s, I didn’t know how much it would shape my life. What started as a side job to support my music became the foundation of my career—and, in many ways, the place where I grew up.
Like fellow musicians turned leaders—Patrick Main and Eliot Jordan—I found a space where I could grow both professionally and personally. I helped launch Peet’s in China, got married, started a family, and stepped into leadership—all while being grounded in this community.
Peet’s has challenged me, helped me evolve, and given me the opportunity to lead with purpose. But more than anything, it’s the people and the lifelong friendships I’ve made that stand out. This has been more than a workplace, it’s been a family, and a defining part of my journey.
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