How Many Times Was Howard Schultz Turned Down?

Having lived in the Bayview Houses, a Brooklyn public housing development in New York, Howard Schultz was no stranger to hardship. Many challenges he faced shaped his motivation. His family's financial struggles motivated him to seek better and gave him a resilience that would mark his entrepreneurial life.

Howard Schultz's College Years At Northern Michigan University Marked The Beginning Of His Professional Path

Despite financial struggles, Schultz was given a football scholarship to Northern Michigan University. He was the first college-educated family member and funded his education with part-time work. This instilled his work ethic and motivation and established the tone for what was to come.

Howard Schultz's Early Career At Xerox And Hammarplast Provided Valuable Business Experience

After he graduated, Schultz joined Xerox and refined his selling skills. He later joined Swedish housewares company Hammarplast to serve as general manager of U.S. operations. That is where he was introduced to Starbucks, a Seattle coffee bean retailer that was among his clients.

A Visit To Starbucks In 1981 Inspired Howard Schultz To Create A Coffeehouse Experience Unlike Anything In America

Intrigued by large orders at Starbucks, Schultz made a trip to Seattle in 1981 to visit with the company's founders. Inspired by their commitment to quality coffee and noticing a gap in creating the type of coffeehouse culture he encountered in Italy, this vision would become the springboard for his future career.

The Founders Of Starbucks Were Reluctant To Accept Howard Schultz’s Vision For Expanding The Business Into Cafés

When he joined Starbucks in 1982 as Director of Marketing, Schultz pushed for transforming the company into a coffeehouse that would serve espresso-based coffee. The founders did not agree and were concerned about diverting from their core business of coffee bean and equipment selling. This resistance caused Schultz to consider going independent.

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Howard Schultz's Decision To Start His Own Coffeehouse Required Significant Capital And Perseverance

Believing his dream would work, Schultz made up his mind to start his own coffeehouse named Il Giornale. He estimated that he would require $400,000 to establish it. With his enthusiasm and clear business plan, it was still a daunting task to arrange for funds.

Investors Rejected Howard Schultz 217 Times Before He Secured Funding To Launch His Coffeehouse Venture

Schultz approached 242 potential financiers to fund his new venture. To his astonishment, 217 of them refused his proposal on the grounds that there was doubt whether a coffeehouse culture would thrive in America. This was a test of Schultz's resolve and he did not let it discourage him about his vision.

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Despite Many Obstacles, Howard Schultz Finally Opened Il Giornale And Brought His Coffeehouse Dream To Life

After toiling endlessly and refusing to give up despite numerous setbacks, Schultz was finally able to secure the funds he required to make his dream a reality and opened up Il Giornale in 1986. The coffeehouse was a hit right away, with people flocking to enjoy the cozy environment and excellent coffee Schultz had long dreamed of bringing to the American market.

Buying Starbucks In 1987 Allowed Howard Schultz To Turn A Small Coffee Bean Business Into A Global Brand

In 1987, Schultz acquired Starbucks for $3.8 million and merged it with his firm, Il Giornale. As CEO, he grew the company into a global brand out of a regional company. His emphasis on creating a "third place" between home and work revolutionized the coffee business.

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Under Howard Schultz’s Leadership, Starbucks Grew Rapidly And Became A Household Name Across The World

Throughout his leadership tenure, Schultz expanded Starbucks to a great extent. By the year 2000, there were over 3,500 stores globally. Schultz's creative mind and dedication to quality transformed Starbucks into a brand name and set new business benchmarks.

The Many Setbacks Howard Schultz Faced Show How Perseverance And Determination Can Lead To Massive Success

The rise of Schultz from a Brooklyn housing project to operating a coffee empire around the globe is a testament to his perseverance and resilience. His determination to pursue his dream despite constant rejection and his perseverance make his tale a shining example to entrepreneurs and business leaders everywhere.