Howard Schultz was born on July 19, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. He is known as a successful businessman and entrepreneur, having founded, chaired, and served as the CEO of Starbucks, one of the most popular coffee chains in the world. In addition, Schultz also owned the NBA team Seattle SuperSonics from 2002 to 2006.
Before achieving great success with Starbucks, Schultz started his career by selling coffee drip machines. It was during this time that he noticed a Seattle-based coffee shop called Starbucks purchasing a large number of the machines. Intrigued by the business, Schultz decided to visit the coffee shop and was impressed by the unique experience it offered to customers. This experience would later inspire him to transform Starbucks into the global brand it is today.
In 1987, Schultz purchased Starbucks from its original owners and embarked on a mission to expand the company beyond its local roots. Under his leadership, Starbucks grew rapidly, opening new stores across the United States and eventually expanding internationally to become a powerhouse in the coffee industry. Schultz's vision for Starbucks was centered around creating a place where people could come together, enjoy high-quality coffee, and connect with one another in a welcoming environment.
Throughout his career, Schultz's achievements in business have been widely recognized. In 2011, he was named Businessperson of the Year by Fortune Magazine, a testament to his innovative leadership at Starbucks. He has been admired for his ability to steer the company through challenging times and his commitment to social responsibility, promoting initiatives such as fair trade coffee and employee benefits.
Aside from his professional accomplishments, Schultz values family and has two children with his wife, Sheri Kersch Schultz, who is an interior designer. Despite his busy schedule running Starbucks and other ventures, Schultz makes time for his loved ones and prioritizes maintaining a strong family bond.
In addition to his success with Starbucks, Schultz has been involved in the sports world as the owner of the Seattle SuperSonics. During his tenure as owner, he had a public feud with SuperSonics point guard Gary Payton, which eventually led to Payton being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for shooting guard Ray Allen. Schultz's experience in owning an NBA team provided him with valuable insights into the world of professional sports and further diversified his business portfolio.
Overall, Howard Schultz's journey from selling coffee machines to leading Starbucks to global success is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and determination. His influence in the coffee industry and beyond has made a lasting impact, and he continues to inspire others with his innovative approach to business and leadership.