Transformative Leader, Businessman & Author; Former Executive Chairman & CEO of Starbucks; Former Owner of the Seattle SuperSonics

Seattle, WA, USA

Howard Schultz Biography

Howard Schultz is recognized for building Starbucks Coffee Company into a global brand and shaping the specialty coffee industry. Schultz grew up in public housing in Brooklyn and was the first in his family to graduate from college, a background that influenced his approach to business and leadership. He joined Starbucks as director of marketing after being impressed by the founders' passion for coffee. A visit to Milan inspired Schultz to introduce the Italian espresso bar experience to the United States, emphasizing community and coffee culture.

After the original Starbucks founders resisted his vision, Schultz launched his own company, Il Giornale, and secured funding from a small group of investors. He later acquired Starbucks Coffee Company, merging it with Il Giornale to form Starbucks Corp. Under Schultz's leadership, Starbucks expanded from 11 stores to more than 28,000 locations in 77 countries, employing hundreds of thousands and serving millions of customers weekly. He led the company through its public offering and international expansion, establishing Starbucks as a leader in retail, branding, and customer experience.

Schultz is known for implementing employee-focused initiatives, including comprehensive healthcare, stock ownership, and tuition coverage for full- and part-time employees. These programs reflected his commitment to corporate responsibility and employee engagement, setting benchmarks in the retail and food service industries. During periods of business challenge, Schultz returned as CEO, leading operational turnarounds and refocusing on quality, brand values, and customer service.

As an author, Schultz has written several books, including "Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time," "From the Ground Up: A Journey to Reimagine the Promise of America," "Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life Without Losing Its Soul," and "For Love of Country: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice." His work addresses leadership, organizational culture, and the role of business in society, and has appeared on bestseller lists in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Schultz co-founded the Schultz Family Foundation, supporting youth development and workforce readiness, and established Maveron, a venture capital firm investing in consumer-focused companies. His experience leading global organizations and navigating business transformation informs his perspective on leadership, corporate values, and sustainable growth in the consumer sector.

BOOK Howard Schultz

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 06/24/2026.

Howard Schultz Videos

These Lessons Took Howard Schultz from Starbucks CEO to the ...

These Lessons Took Howard Schultz from Starbucks CEO to the ...

Howard Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 when there were four stores open in Seattle. Over the following three decades he created one of the ...

Graduate School Welcome Meeting - Howard Schultz

Graduate School Welcome Meeting - Howard Schultz

With an inspiring and visionary speech, focused on how to transform an idea into a global enterprise, Howard Schultz, Starbucks Chairman Emeritus,...

Howard Schultz | 7 Super Tips

Howard Schultz | 7 Super Tips

Howard Schultz Tips: 7 Super Tips from Howard Schultz Howard Schultz gives tips and advice with Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman.

  • How do I book Howard Schultz to speak at my event?

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  • What topics does Howard Schultz speak about?

  • Where does Howard Schultz travel from?

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Howard Schultz is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Howard Schultz for your event is $200,000 and above. Howard Schultz generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Scott Galloway, Peter Diamandis, Sara Blakely, Gary Vaynerchuk and Simon Sinek. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Howard Schultz for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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