The best things in life often start with an unexpected yes.

Helm Coffee was founded by Jillon Potter, a professional rugby player who, after nearly a decade of competing at the highest levels of international sport, found her next great calling in specialty coffee. The same curiosity and drive that took her to the 2016 Rio Olympics is what built Helm from the ground up.

In Helm's very first week, a graphic designer named Justin Bull walked through the door and asked for a job. He got one. What followed was a partnership that would put Indianapolis on the international coffee map. Justin went on to become the 2025 U.S. Brewers Cup Champion and then competed as one of nine finalists at the 2025 World Brewers Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he placed sixth in the world.

Jillon and Justin source, roast, brew, and refine at the highest level, and what they find, they bring back openly. On competition stages, at pop-ups across the world, in the conversations they invite rather than avoid. At Helm, the remarkable was never meant to stay in one place. It travels.

Our Roasting Philosophy

We source and roast to highlight expressions of origin and variety. The coffees we choose are chosen with intention, for the character of a specific varietal, the distinctiveness of a growing region, the work of a producer worth knowing. We source directly where we can, and through a small, carefully chosen network of importers who bridge us to origins we couldn't otherwise reach. We roast light, in pursuit of cups that are bright, fruit-forward, and alive with floral character.

Our café and roastery are located at 2324 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46203, open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 8am–2pm.

What We Believe

We started Helm to spread the love of great coffee through kindness and connection, because we believe world-class coffee and a welcoming door belong together. Specialty coffee shouldn't be intimidating. It should be a catalyst: for curiosity, for connection, for showing up differently in the world.

At Helm, we want to help you be at the helm of your own life, full of authenticity, courage, and readiness for whatever comes next. We believe a great cup of coffee and the right community can help you get there.