Howard Schultz, the name behind coffee giant Starbucks, is more than a successful businessman. He is a visionary who transformed the way the world enjoys this drink, creating a unique corporate culture and an innovative model of social responsibility.
Born in 1953 in Brooklyn, New York, Schultz had a childhood marked by poverty. This experience shaped his work ethic and his determination to succeed. A football scholarship took him to Northern Michigan University, where he majored in communications.
After graduation, Schultz began his career at Xerox, where he honed his sales and marketing skills. In 1982, he joined Starbucks, a small coffee bean store in Seattle.
Impressed by Starbucks' potential, Schultz purchased the company in 1987. Under his leadership, Starbucks expanded rapidly, opening stores across the country and becoming a household name.
Schultz was instrumental in creating “Third Third,” a welcoming space where people could gather, chat, and enjoy high-quality coffee. He also introduced innovative practices, such as the barista system and the offering of espresso drinks.
Schultz was obsessed with creating a unique corporate culture at Starbucks. He believed that employees, who he called “partners,” were essential to the company's success.
He has implemented comprehensive benefits programs, employee stock options, and training and development opportunities. This philosophy has resulted in a high level of engagement and loyalty among employees, which has contributed to the excellent customer service that has become Starbucks' hallmark.
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