Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> April 27, 1999
HOWARD SCHULTZ joined Starbucks Coffee Company as director of operations
and marketing in 1982, when the Company had only four stores. In 1986,
he left for a brief period of time to start up his own chain of
Italian-style espresso bars, and returned in 1987, to purchase Starbucks
Coffee Company with the help of local investors. Since that time, Mr.
Schultz has led the Company through many milestone accomplishments,
while fulfilling his long-term commitment to give back to his employees
and the communities in which they work. In 1993, Starbucks became the
largest North American corporate donor to CARE. In December 1994, Mr.
Schultz received the prestigious Business Enterprise Trust Award for
courage, integrity and social vision in business, in 1996 he was the
recipient of the International Humanitarian Award for CARE, and in
August 1998, Mr. Schultz was honored by the Jerusalem Fund of Aish Ha
Torah for individuals making significant contributions to improving the
lives of people around the world. In Spring 1997, Mr. Schultz created
the Starbucks Foundation, with the vision of using it as a tool to
create hope and opportunity in communities where Starbucks does
business. The Foundation is currently focused on raising awareness for
literacy causes, and has established a program to give grants to
organizations throughout North American that promote literacy. The
Foundation was initially funded by Mr. Schultz's profits from his book,
Pour Your Heart Into It, How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a
Time. He currently serves on the CARE Corporate Council, as well as on
the Boards of Directors of several privately held emerging growth
companies and the National Association of Security Dealers, Inc. Mr.
Schultz earned a B.S. degree from Northern Michigan University in 1975.
He spent three years in sales and marketing with Xerox Corporation.
Before joining Starbucks in 1982, he was Vice President and General
Manager of Hammarplast, U.S.A., a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of
Perstorp, AB, a Swedish housewares company. Profile
your history, products, services, those kinds of things?
Mr. Schultz: Starbucks is the leading retailer and brand of
