Photo By Staff Sgt. Jaylan Caulton | Maj. Roy Baker, assistant operations officer for Joint Task Force–District of...... read more read more
Maj. Roy Baker blends military leadership with family business Healthy work-life balance remains a priority for the military. Maj. Roy Baker, assistant J3 for Joint Task Force–District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful, exemplifies successful military service combined with entrepreneurship. Baker leads a family-owned coffee and chocolate business rooted in purpose and guided by military strategy.
Baker, a fire control officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 45th Field Artillery Brigade, Oklahoma Army National Guard, started the business as a hobby before its full-time transition into a full-time venture following his deployment to Afghanistan. Baker's resiliency would later be tested after the opening of the business’ retail store when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the loss of his civilian job.
Fortunately, the family sustained operations and refined their craft, attributing their survival to disciplined financial habits, adaptability and passion. For Baker, coffee holds deep personal meaning. Baker recalls early mornings with his grandmother, who would brew coffee and spend time with him before school. These early interactions are credited with shaping his passion for the trade and served as a way to honor her Cherokee heritage after her passing.
Undeterred, he continues to meet and overcome challenges using Army leadership principles to strengthen his ability to lead and plan under pressure. He applies military frameworks such as the military decision-making process and troop leading procedures to business operations, emphasizing structure, delegation and redundancy.
“Time is the one resource money can’t buy,” says Baker, noting that his military insights forced the business to eliminate single points of failure and build strong internal systems. Today, the business reflects a partnership between family and military-based strategic planning. His wife manages daily operations, while Baker supports with financial oversight. Together, they focus on building a meaningful, resilient enterprise rather than a traditional chain model. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to conduct thorough research, seek honest feedback and prepare for uncertainty. “No plan survives first contact,” he said. “Adapt, stay disciplined and keep moving forward.”
For Baker, both service and business are driven by the same principle, connection to people, purpose and community.
| Date Taken: | 04.14.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.14.2026 15:42 |
| Story ID: | 562688 |
| Location: | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 12 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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