How Did Howard Schultz Become Successful?

Howard Schultz was raised in a working-class family in Brooklyn, New York, where economic hardship was a daily reality. Watching his father work low-paying jobs with no benefits had a lasting impression on him and motivated him to find a career where he could make a difference. Success did not come quickly to him, but he was compelled to break financial hardship. His enthusiasm for creating better possibilities for himself and others motivated him to work hard, take chances, and eventually grow into one of the world's most admired business leaders.

Howard Schultz Used His Education And Early Career Experience To Build A Strong Foundation For Future Success

Valuing education, Schultz worked to obtain a football scholarship to Northern Michigan University, where he became the first in his family to earn a college degree. After college, he gained sales and marketing experience at a number of firms prior to taking a position at a small kitchenware company. It was during his time at this company that he was introduced to the coffee industry when he noticed a small Seattle firm placing large orders for coffee makers. The firm was Starbucks, and Schultz was attracted to the potential he perceived in the company, leading him to make the next change in his career.

Also Check Out Our: What Makes Jeff Bezos A Leader?

Howard Schultz Took A Risk By Leaving A Stable Job To Join Starbucks When It Was Still A Small Business

Schultz saw something special about Starbucks and rolled the dice by leaving a lucrative job to work for the company when it was a small coffee bean shop. He took a leap of faith, believing that he could bring the business to a completely different level in a way that no one had ever done before. When he was traveling in Italy, he was drawn into the coffeehouse culture and saw that there was more to Starbucks than as a shop where people went to purchase coffee beans. He envisioned Starbucks as a place where people went to socialize, conduct business, and enjoy quality coffee, something that would someday change the coffee world.

Howard Schultz Faced Rejection When He First Tried To Expand Starbucks But Refused To Give Up On His Idea

When Schultz shared his vision of turning Starbucks into a coffeehouse chain, the original owners rejected his idea, believing that it would take the company in the wrong direction. Instead of giving up, Schultz took matters into his own hands. He raised money from investors and opened his own coffee shop, Il Giornale, which quickly became popular.

Also Check Out Our: What Are Jeff Bezos Core Values?

Howard Schultz Focused On Creating A Unique Starbucks Experience That Set The Brand Apart From Competitors

One of the best reasons that Schultz was able to become so successful was that he was able to create a customer experience that was unlike anything else that was available at the time. He didn't want Starbucks to be just another coffee house—he wanted it to be a place where people felt welcome, relaxed, and connected. He concentrated on details like store design, customer service, and quality products, and turned Starbucks into something more than a place to buy coffee. His vision transformed Starbucks into a destination rather than a business, and it spread rapidly across the nation and eventually the world.

Howard Schultz Made Starbucks A Global Brand By Sticking To His Vision And Expanding The Business Strategically

Schultz didn't rest on his success in making Starbucks a national phenomenon—he was determined to take the brand global. He expanded the business cautiously by choosing the best locations, maintaining quality of the product, and adapting to local cultures while still keeping the Starbucks experience intact. During his tenure, Starbucks became one of the most recognized brands in the world, with thousands of stores in many countries. The ability to think big and yet care about the small things was a key element of his success as a business leader.

Also Check Out Our: What Did Jeff Bezos Study?

Howard Schultz Built A Reputation As A Leader Who Prioritized Employee Well-Being And Social Responsibility

Unlike most corporate leaders who were solely focused on profits, Schultz believed it was just as important to care for employees as it was to make money. He provided health insurance and stock options to even part-time workers, which was almost unheard of in the food and beverage industry. He also made efforts to purchase coffee in an ethical manner and invest in societal programs that mirrored the values of Starbucks. His leadership showed that success is not just increasing the bottom line but building a company that employees and customers can be proud of.