I grew up in Topeka, KS, with a curiosity and passion for traveling and understanding foreign cultures.  In 2011, I was studying for my master’s degree in international relations and peace studies in Paris. My plans to become a foreign diplomat shifted with a chance introduction and peek into the world of coffee.

While I was studying supply chain and international trade, I met Gloria Montenegro, the former Guatemalan ambassador to France following the Guatemalan civil war, regarded locally as the mother of specialty coffee in Paris. Through Gloria, I became close friends with ex-pats from Brazil who were studying agriculture with the intent of bringing their knowledge back to their home country - they became my first direct trade relationship in coffee.

As I learned more about specialty coffee and agriculture, I realized that a career in coffee could allow me to use my skills in international relations while still working in an industry that I love.

In 2015, REPETITION COFFEE was established! It was no longer housed in a garage, but now it was official, we had official roasting space.  Shortly after I earned my coffee tasting certification and was ready to step up as a green buyer!

Social responsibility was of the utmost importance as REPETITION grew.  Being a good, ethical coffee buyer required forming loyal and lasting relationships with farmers.  My travels throughout Central and South America, and Africa gave me the opportunity to meet coffee farmers, assess the quality of coffee beans at origin, and verify that my supply chains were sustainable and ethical.  Seeing the agricultural end of the coffee supply chain strengthened my resolve to run a coffee roasting company built on the foundation of supporting others.  I also formed relationships with U.S.-based roasters who helped me find reputable importers who specialized in various world regions.

What started as a dream in Paris has evolved into a thriving business, bolstered by a growing, hardworking team in Lawrence, KS.  At REPETITION, we aspire to uphold our values and deliver to you, our customers, coffee of the utmost quality from vast regions of the world. 

REPETITION aims to make a difference, one cup at a time, and we couldn’t do it without you.  Thanks for coming along.

Avec Amour,

Amy Pope