What Is Howard Schultz Known For?

Howard Schultz is perhaps best known for his time at Starbucks, where he led the company from a relatively small coffee firm to an international powerhouse. His impact reaches much further than the world of coffee, however, as he has emerged as a business thought leader, employee healthcare, and political figure.

Howard Schultz’s Role In Expanding Starbucks From A Small Seattle Business To A Global Coffee Empire

Schultz arrived at Starbucks in the early 1980s, when Starbucks had very few stores in Seattle. He was fascinated with the Italian coffee culture and used to daydream about how Starbucks could be a destination where folks would go and get more-quality espresso drinks. He bought the company in 1987, and he built it at light speed, having thousands of stores in the US and overseas. Starbucks was a global coffee brand leader when he was president.

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How Howard Schultz Transformed The Coffee Shop Experience By Creating A Welcoming And Comfortable Atmosphere

Schultz's biggest achievement was to turn the coffee house into a sit-and-stay-awhile store where one socialized and talked and not nearly as much of a grab-and-go shop. He added comfortable seating, wireless access, and soft furnishings so that Starbucks was now a destination point where people gathered and worked out of, met and hung around. His customer-centric approach had established a coffee culture of today and created a benchmark that has been replicated by cafes around the world.

Howard Schultz’s Commitment To Providing Employee Benefits That Were Uncommon In The Food Service Industry

Schultz believed that proper treatment of employees would translate to proper customer care and a booming business. He added health benefits to part- and full-time employees, not a usual trend in the food chain at that time. He started issuing employees stock options and calling them "partners" as opposed to the term "employee." These things allowed Starbucks to have a stellar group of employees and attract and retain it and set a model for other businesses.

The Unique Leadership Style Of Howard Schultz And How It Contributed To Starbucks’ Success

Schultz is a boss-in-his-own-terms. He wasn't afraid to go all the way and drastically change things, closing all American stores temporarily in 2008 to train baristas so that espresso drinks would actually taste good. He also spearheaded ethically produced coffee beans by paying farmers a fair price in the form of the Starbucks Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) program. All these solidified Starbucks' image as a responsibility- and quality-conscious company.

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Howard Schultz’s Involvement In Politics And His Views On Business, Economy, And Social Issues

Beyond the realm of business, Schultz has never hesitated to get his feet into politics, especially if social cause and economic policy are present. He has already ventured into political commentary on income inequality, health care, and the management of business. He even considered a run for president on the independent ticket but did not. His very well-defined policy and leadership perspectives have put him squarely in the headlines even outside business.

Howard Schultz’s Dedication To Philanthropy And His Efforts To Support Social Causes Through Various Initiatives

Schultz has also been engaged in philanthropy. He has donated to veterans, youth organizations, and efforts to bring economic growth into inner cities. He has supported education, employment readiness, and leadership efforts through the Schultz Family Foundation. He sees philanthropy as a by-product of the duty of successful commerce to leave the world in a better state than in which they found it.

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The Lasting Legacy Of Howard Schultz And His Influence On The Business World And Corporate Culture

Schultz's legacy is much bigger than Starbucks. He has authored books on leadership and business philosophy, sharing wisdom gathered from a lifetime of toil. His legacy has inspired corporate leaders and entrepreneurs to focus on customer experience, responsible sourcing, and treating employees with respect. Although he is stepping away from direct involvement in the day-to-day operations of Starbucks, his legacy on the coffee industry and corporate culture is long-lasting.