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Howard D. Schultz (born July 19, 1953)[2] is an American businessman and author who was the chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks from 1986 to 2000, from 2008 to 2017, and interim CEO from 2022 to 2023. Schultz owned the Seattle SuperSonics basketball team from 2001 to 2006.

Key Information

Schultz began working at Starbucks in 1982.[3] He later left and opened Il Giornale, a specialty coffeeshop that merged with Starbucks during the late 1980s. Under Schultz, the company established a large network of stores which has influenced coffee culture in Seattle, the U.S., and internationally. Following large-scale distribution deals, Starbucks became the largest coffee-house chain in the world. Schultz took the company public in 1992 and used a $271 million valuation to double their store count in a series of highly publicized coffee wars. He stepped down as CEO in 2000, succeeded by Orin Smith. Due to the rapid expansion of Starbucks under Schultz's leadership, he has been described as the “Ray Kroc of his generation”.[4]

During the 2008 financial crisis, Schultz returned as chief executive. Succeeding Jim Donald, Schultz led a mass firing of executives and employees and shuttered hundreds of stores. He orchestrated multiple acquisitions of American and Chinese beverage companies, introduced a national loyalty program, and enforced fair trade standards. His aggressive expansion in Chinese markets has been credited[by whom?] with reconciling the country's tea-culture with coffee consumption in China. Schultz was succeeded by Kevin Johnson as CEO in April 2017 and Myron Ullman as chairman in June 2018.

Schultz has written four books on business. He is an outspoken neoliberal. Schultz publicly considered a candidacy in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 U.S. presidential elections as an independent candidate. He declined to join all three contests. His positions on domestic politics are socially liberal and fiscally moderate. In foreign policy, he is seen as a "liberal hawk", favoring American-led international affairs and neoliberalism. Schultz was named the 209th-richest person in the U.S. by Forbes with a net worth of $4.3 billion (October 2020).[5] Schultz started the Schultz Family Foundation to help military veterans and fight youth unemployment.

On March 16, 2022, Starbucks announced that CEO Kevin Johnson was retiring and that Howard Schultz would take over as interim CEO until Laxman Narasimhan took over as CEO in April 2023.[6][7] On March 20, 2023, Schultz announced that he would be stepping down early from the position.[8]

Early life and education

[edit]

Howard D. Schultz was born on July 19, 1953, to Ashkenazi Jewish parents, Fred and Elaine Schultz, in Brooklyn, New York.[9][10] His father was a truck driver, and his mother was a receptionist. Howard has two siblings.[11][12] Schultz grew up in the Canarsie public housing projects.[13] According to Schultz, his family was poor, although childhood contemporaries recount a middle-class upbringing, with one of his contemporaries referring to the development in which he was raised as "the country club of projects."[14]

Schultz spent his time after school at the Boys Club of New York. He is active in the Boys’ Club of New York's Alumni.[15]

Schultz graduated from Canarsie High School in 1971.[16] He attended Northern Michigan University (NMU) from 1971 to 1975, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, graduating with a B.A. in communications. He had played football, expecting an athletic scholarship but an injury caused him to quit.[14][17][18][19]

Career

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Early career

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In 1976, he became a salesman for Xerox in New York. In 1979, he was recruited by French private equity firm PAI Partners to be general manager of a Swedish kitchenware manufacturer's U.S. subsidiary, Hammarplast.[20] At Hammarplast, Schultz was responsible for the coffee machine manufacturer's U.S. operations, and in 1981 he visited the Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle to fill their plastic cone filter orders.[11][12]

Starbucks

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Schultz speaking with press about Starbucks' presence in Canada, 2007

In 1982, at age 29, Schultz was hired at Starbucks as the director of retail operations and marketing.[21] Schultz was exposed to coffee in Italy on a buying trip to Milan, Italy, in 1983.[21] On his return, he worked to persuade company owners Jerry Baldwin and Gordon Bowker to offer traditional espresso beverages in addition to the whole bean coffee, leaf teas, and spices.[22] After a successful pilot of the cafe concept, Baldwin and Bowker were intrigued but, noting the high cost of espresso machines, the relative paucity of expertise for maintenance and repair of the machines in America, and Americans' lack of familiarity with the drink, they decided not to deploy Schultz's idea further and he stepped down from Starbucks to start his own business. Schultz left Starbucks in 1985 to open a store of his own.[23] He needed $400,000 to start his business.[23] Schultz visited over 500 espresso bars in Milan and, with him assuming most of the risk associated with introducing espresso to the American market, Starbucks invested $150,000 in the new venture, with Baldwin receiving a place on its board and Bowker offering unofficial assistance.[24] Another $100,000 investment came from local doctor Ron Margolis.[24] Of the 242 investors Schultz approached, 217 rejected his idea.[18] By 1986, he had raised the money he needed to open the first store, Il Giornale, named after the Milanese newspaper of the same name.[25] The store offered ice cream in addition to coffee, had little seating, and played opera music in the background.[23] Two years later, the original Starbucks management team decided to focus on Peet's Coffee & Tea and sold its Starbucks retail unit to Schultz and Il Giornale for US$3.8 million.[23]

Schultz rebranded Il Giornale with the Starbucks name, and expanded its reach across the United States.[23] This type of market strategy received mixed reception from both customers and competitors. The firm's relations with independent coffeehouse chains were strained, while some owners credited Starbucks with educating customers on coffee.[26] Schultz did not believe in franchising, and made a point of having Starbucks retain ownership of every domestic outlet.[27] Schultz's positioning of Starbucks as a social hub is widely seen as introducing the second wave of coffee culture in the U.S., particularly in Seattle.[28][29][30] On June 26, 1992, Starbucks had its initial public offering (IPO) and trading of its common stock under the stock ticker SBUX.[31] The IPO raised $271 million for the company and financed the doubling of their stores.[32] On June 1, 2000, Schultz stepped down as CEO of Starbucks, moving to the new position of chief global strategist to help the company expand internationally.[33][34] He was succeeded by Orin Smith, who worked with Schultz as his chief financial officer during the 1990s.[35] After coordinating the first store opening in China in January 1999, Schultz took the following year to develop a customer base for coffee in the region.[36] Throughout the late-2000s and early-2010s, Schultz directed the company to plan one to two store openings a day in mainland China.[37] Back in the firm's U.S. market, various coffee wars with McDonalds and Dunkin' lowered Starbucks' marketshare and the stock price fell 75% from 2006 to 2008.[38] While revenue was growing broadly, it was largely dependent on new store openings creating unsustainable (or inorganic) growth.[38]

A Starbucks cafe in Xixi National Wetland Park, Hangzhou China

On January 7, 2008, after an eight-year hiatus, Schultz returned as CEO of Starbucks during the height of the 2008 financial crisis. He succeeded Jim Donald who took over from Smith in 2005.[39] The coffeehouse was increasingly criticized for employee work conditions and their internal tipping policies during this time; in March 2009, he and the board approved a $100 million settlement in back tips in a barista-led class action lawsuit in California.[40] He led a mass-firing of executives, closed down hundreds of stores, and temporarily closed all U.S. locations to retrain employees in making espresso.[34][41] Schultz redoubled and enforced the firm's fair trade and ethical source policies for their coffee bean supply-chain in Africa and other coffee-producing countries.[42] In the succeeding two years, he doubled their annual purchase of fair trade coffee, up to, by some estimates, 40 million pounds.[43] Schultz arranged the appointment of the coffeehouse's first chief technology officer.[41] At this time, Schultz was earning a total compensation of $9.7 million, which included a base salary of $1.2 million, and stock options granted of $7.8 million.[44] In addition to his board membership with Starbucks, Schultz was an early and significant stakeholder in Jamba Juice in 2011,[45] and on the board of payment processing company, Square, Inc., until 2014.[46] During the summer of 2014, Schultz launched the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, a partnership with Arizona State University, which allows all employees at Starbucks working 20 or more hours a week to qualify for free tuition through ASU's online courses.[47] It was reported in 2018 that Schultz had taken a one-dollar annual salary sometime in the past couple of years.[48]

Schultz again stepped down as CEO in December 2016, assuming the position of executive chairman.[41] From 2008 to 2017, Schultz oversaw nearly $100 billion added to the company's market capitalization.[49] From the 1980s to his retirement, a series of coffee wars increased Starbucks from 11 coffeehouses in Seattle to 28,000 stores in 77 countries.[37] On June 4, 2018, Schultz announced that he would retire from active management of Starbucks after 37 years, as he was considering amongst other options a campaign for U.S. president.[50] Kevin Johnson, the firm's president and chief operating officer for the previous two years, succeeded Schultz as CEO while Myron Ullman took over as chairman in June 2018.[51] Schultz would return to the role of CEO in an interim position following Johnson departing the position in March 2022.[52]

Schultz, as chairman emeritus of Starbucks, in 2019

On March 20, 2023, two weeks before he was projected to turn the leadership of the company over to incoming CEO Laxman Narasimhan, Schultz stepped down as interim CEO of Starbucks. Schultz appeared before the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on March 29, 2023.[53]

Seattle SuperSonics and Seattle Storm

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Further information: Seattle SuperSonics relocation to Oklahoma City

In January 2001, Schultz led a group of ten investors who bought the National Basketball Association's Seattle SuperSonics and the Women's National Basketball Association's Seattle Storm from the Ackerley Group for $200 million.[54] During his tenure as the SuperSonics team owner, he was criticized for his naïveté and propensity to run the franchise as a business rather than a sports team.[55] Schultz feuded with player Gary Payton, feeling that Payton disrespected him and the team by not showing up to the first day of training camp in 2002.[56] In February 2006, he stated that the SuperSonics needed $200 million to renovate KeyArena or build a new arena for the team, and if the Washington State Legislature would not approve this, he would look to sell or move the team.[57]

On July 18, 2006, Schultz sold the SuperSonics and Storm to Clay Bennett, chairman of the Professional Basketball Club LLC, an Oklahoma City ownership group, for $350 million, after having failed to convince the city of Seattle to provide public funding to build a new arena in the Greater Seattle area to replace KeyArena. Bennett agreed to a stipulation that he would make a "good-faith best effort" for one year to keep both teams in Seattle. The sincerity of the good-faith effort was widely disputed by the way Bennett acted and by direct quotes from his partner Aubrey McClendon. On January 8, 2008, Bennett sold the Storm to Force 10 Hoops, LLC, an ownership group of four Seattle women, which kept the team in Seattle.[58]

Schultz filed a lawsuit against Bennett – in April 2008 – to rescind the July 2006 sale based on what Schultz claimed was fraud and intentional misrepresentation. However, Schultz dropped the lawsuit in August 2008. On July 2, 2008, the city of Seattle reached a settlement with the new ownership group and the SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder for the 2008–09 NBA season.[59] The sale to the out-of-state owners considerably damaged Schultz's popularity in Seattle.[60] In a local newspaper poll, Schultz was judged "most responsible" for the team leaving the city.[61] Ten years later, in 2019, Schultz accepted full responsibility for the sale. "Selling the Sonics as I did is one of the biggest regrets of my professional life. I should have been willing to lose money until a local buyer emerged. I am forever sorry."[62]

Author

[edit]
Schultz signing a book during a book tour in 2014

Schultz has written four books, three of which incorporate business memoir-style narratives. According to the Free Library of Philadelphia, his books are known to be a blend of "part memoir and part manifesto of corporate social responsibility".[63] At the start of 2019, Schultz released an online class that covered the business leadership topics discussed in his books on the MasterClass platform.[64] Organizational consultant Warren Bennis has influenced Schultz's writing.[65]

His first book, Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time was written in 1997 with Dori Jones Yang. His second book, Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life Without Losing Its Soul, co-written with Joanne Gordon, was published in 2011. Jeff Bailey, of the Los Angeles Times, called the book "self-flattering" and criticized its "mostly perfunctory account of Starbucks' actual problems".[66] Publishers Weekly called the book "a personal, suspenseful, and surprisingly open account" of the rise of Starbucks.[67] Kirkus Reviews praised the book's "immense detail" but critiqued Schultz's coverage of "outside criticisms of his performance".[68] The Seattle Times was critical, saying the book could only "appeal to business types but probably not to the average latte drinker".[69] Fast Company placed Onward within the top five books that "[predicted] the future of workplace leadership" in 2014.[70] All sale proceeds from the book were donated to the Starbucks Foundation, the firm's main charity.[71]

His third book, For Love of Country: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice, co-written with Rajiv Chandrasekaran, was published in 2014. The New York Times Book Review calling it "well-written" and "formidable."[72] It was later added to the Times' 2014 Winter Reading List.[73] In writing a review for The Wall Street Journal U.S. Army major general Robert H. Scales stated "after reading this moving book I'll not likely pass a Starbucks again without stopping for a patriotic cup."[74] The Washington Post published a similarly positive review.[75]

In 2019, he published his fourth book, From the Ground Up: A Journey to Reimagine the Promise of America.[76] The book was widely seen as a candidate memoir as it was published right before the 2020 United States presidential election.[77] His book received 1.9/5 stars on Amazon, after some Democratic voters gave negative reviews, due his possible candidacy splitting the Democratic vote.[78] Rolling Stone called the book "stunningly boring" and an "autobiography of a pretentious oligarch."[79] A book promotion stop at Harvard University led to a small student protest.[80] From the Ground Up was featured on The Wall Street Journal's bestseller list in February,[81] and was listed as a New York Times bestseller for 2019.[82][83] Reuters rated the book highly, yet called it "caffeine free" for its inability to "harness his business success" in a potential White House run.[84]

Political views

[edit]
Schultz speaking at Arizona State University in 2019

Schultz is an outspoken neoliberal, centrist, technocratic, and political independent.[85][86] Schultz's political positions are similar to the Democratic Party platform.[87] Schultz supports free trade, a balanced budget, comprehensive tax reform, gun control, and same-sex marriage.[88][89]

Schultz hosted a fundraiser in his Seattle home for John Edwards during the 2008 presidential election cycle, eventually donating to the campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.[90] Since 2012, Schultz's public statements have led to press speculation that he would run for President of the United States. In both the 2008 and 2012 United States presidential election he endorsed the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama.[91] Schultz donated to Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign twice, once on June 30, 2007, for $2,300, and again on October 24, 2008, for $2,300.[92] He endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 United States presidential election.[93]

Labor unions

[edit]

Howard Schultz has been taking anti-union actions at Starbucks since the late 1980s. When unions were able to form at the company, they disbanded soon afterward, due to corporate reaction to their formation.[94]

In 2009, a bill known as the Employee Free Choice Act was being proposed in Congress. It would allow unions to form by simply gathering a majority of signatures in the workplace, what is known as a "card check", obviating the need to have secret ballot union-elections. Schultz, along with the CEOs of Costco, and Whole Foods lobbied to have this provision removed from the bill, and a provision making it easier for unions to secure their first bargaining agreement. The Employee Free Choice Act never made it into law.[95]

Schultz's overall vision on unions, and their place at Starbucks were published in a 2012 edition of his memoir entitled "Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time". Schultz wrote,

"I was convinced that under my leadership, employees would come to realize that I would listen to their concerns. If they had faith in me and my motives, they wouldn't need a union."[96]

In 2022, as union organizing campaigns started to form at Starbucks, and gain victories, Schultz held a town hall meeting as he returned to the company as interim CEO. In the town hall Schultz said that Starbucks was "under assault from unionization", "outside forces", and that Starbucks did not need an intermediary between management, and labor. During these union organizing campaigns by Starbucks employees, the corporation has been firing employees who have engaged in unionizing. One employee who had been working to organize Starbucks workers in Arizona was fired just one hour after Schultz had finished speaking at his town hall. These terminations took place despite a notice of formal complaint from the National Labor Relations Board against the retaliatory practices Starbucks had taken against employees who were working to unionize the corporation.[97]

On March 29, 2023, Schultz testified before the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. In response to most of the questions Schultz gave the same answer: "I support the law, and I also take offense with you categorizing me or Starbucks as a union buster when that is not true."[98]

During the hearing Sen. Bernie Sanders asked Schultz whether he would follow the ruling of NLRB administrative law judge Michael Rosas. Rosas had found that Starbucks had engaged in “egregious and widespread misconduct” in dealing with the unionizing efforts of its employees in Buffalo. As a result of these findings he ruled that the company must reinstate the employees they had fired, and Schultz must either read to his employees a letter informing them of their rights or be present for a meeting in which workers are informed of their rights. Schultz responded that he would not be following this ruling as he believed that Starbucks had not broken the law.[99]

Climate change

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As chief executive of Starbucks, Schultz has commented on the impact climate change has on coffee production.[100] He has opposed the United States withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.[101] To finance a green economy, he has advocated for a combination of taxing oil and gas as well as harnessing wind energy.[101] Schultz has criticized the 2018 Green New Deal for being economically unrealistic.[102]

Bipartisanship

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In December 2012 Schultz penned an open letter to various newspapers about an upcoming initiative at Starbucks involving partisan gridlock in Washington. On December 27, Starbucks employees in Washington were asked to write "come together" on all cups distributed, to encourage bipartisanship in the federal government.[103] During his exploratory 2020 presidential campaign, Schultz explained to multiple media outlets that, if elected, he wished to exclusively legislate with bipartisan support.[104] This stance includes the appointment and confirmations of U.S. Supreme Court justices.[105]

Fiscal discipline

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Schultz is averse to debt and, politically, is a deficit hawk.[106][107] During his 2019 exploratory bid for the presidency, Schultz framed his candidacy as that of a socially liberal deficit hawk with fiscally moderate leanings.[108] In June 2018, Schultz stated in an interview that he thought the national debt is "the greatest threat domestically to the country" and that "we have to go after entitlements."[109][110] He has also stated that the nation's annual sovereign interest payments, totaling over $400 billion in 2020, is "unsustainable."[111] President Barack Obama's chief economist, Jason Furman, was critical of Schultz's hard-lined "obsessive" position against sovereign debt: "America is not a company." Furman stated in February 2020, "many successful companies are much more leveraged than the United States."[112]

Trade

[edit]

Throughout the 2018 start and continuation of the U.S. trade war against China, Schultz has been critical of its motivations and handling, and has called for a reduction of trade tariffs and other import-export taxes.[111][113][114]

In 2008, Schultz doubled the amount of fair trade coffee Starbucks bought.[43] By the end of 2009, 65% of all coffee product was fair trade and by 2015, nearly all of it was.[43] Starbucks signed an agreement with the government of Ethiopia in 2007 to ensure increased pay to farmers.[115] Schultz committed to an agreement that all 747 stores in Britain would be certified fair trade by year-end.[116] The agreement made Starbucks the largest buyer of fair trade coffee.[116]

Business

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Schultz claims to be a supporter of the free market. In 2020 he described the treatment of business and capitalism by American society as "vilification".[117] During the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID-19), advocated for fiscal stimulus to small businesses harmed during the crisis.[118] Schultz described the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act as insufficient, and criticized the Act's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for being a temporary solution.[119] On April 21, he called for the federal government to institute a "Marshall Plan" for small business, in the form of federally-backed loans.[120]

Tax reform

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Schultz said he supported "comprehensive tax reform" in January 2019.[121] He opposed Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's proposal to raise the marginal tax rate on income over $10 million to 70%, saying it was "punitive" and contrary to the American Dream.[121] He also opposed Donald Trump's passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which lowered high-income and corporate taxes.[101] During a CNN town hall, he stated that he wanted the marginal tax rate for the highest-earning citizens to be increased from 37% to 39%.[101] Schultz is against lowering taxes for large corporations, favoring tax cuts for middle-market and small businesses.[111]

Same-sex marriage

[edit]

Starbucks took an institutional stance in favor of same-sex marriage in 2013 (two years prior to US Federal recognition). In response to a backlash from conservative and religious groups, Schultz told a shareholder meeting that opponents of the stance should "Sell your shares", and "buy shares in another company."[122] His response was widely publicized, with The Washington Post stating: "Schultz [did] something CEOs rarely do: He told off a shareholder."[123] Fortune wrote that Schultz "[took] on gay marriage before it was a topic most executives would even touch.[124]

Healthcare

[edit]

Under his leadership Starbucks became the first U.S. company to offer part-time workers, particularly baristas, healthcare.[125][126][127] Schultz is against Medicare for All.[121] He has vocally criticized Republican-led efforts to repeal the ACA as uncooperative.[128][129]

Gun control

[edit]

Schultz supports gun control and universal background checks.[101] In July 2013, Starbucks customers brought in their weapons and guns into local stores to show appreciation for the coffeehouse's support of the Second Amendment.[130] Later in September, as CEO, Schultz asked customers to no longer bring guns into its stores.[131]

Immigration

[edit]

Schultz has supported a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants who had entered the United States as children.[121] He called for greater border security, but vocally opposed President Donald Trump's proposal of a border wall.[121] In 2017, Schultz got into a highly publicized argument with President Trump after he instructed Starbucks to disregard an executive order barring Syrian refugees into the country.[132] Within 24 hours of the executive order, Schultz wrote to his employees that recent immigrants and refugees, particularly those with strong ties to the U.S. military, would be fast-tracked to employment.[133] President Trump then called on his supporters to boycott Starbucks.[134]

Veterans' affairs

[edit]
Schultz speaking to U.S. Marines and Sailors at Camp Pendleton in California, 2014

In 2015, Schultz founded Onward Veterans, a private foundation to help post-9/11 military veterans transition to civilian life.[135] In 2014, Schultz authored his first non-business book, For Love of Country: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice, co-written with Rajiv Chandrasekaran.[72] The book discussed the U.S. military's role in the Iraq War and War in Afghanistan, and their transitions back into civilian life. To market the book he expanded tuition support for veterans families.[136][137]

Over a radio interview in March 2019, when asked if he would be an effective commander-in-chief, Schultz responded: "I probably have spent more time in the last decade certainly than anyone running for president with the military."[138] His comments were criticized by Pete Buttigieg and Tulsi Gabbard, both of whom served in the military, for being tone deaf.[139] Schultz later apologized for his remarks.[140] Schultz's tentative 2020 presidential candidacy was endorsed by former U.S. Army General Peter W. Chiarelli.[141]

Washington state politics

[edit]

In 2012, Schultz had Starbucks express support for Washington state's Referendum 74, which legalized same-sex marriage in that state.[142] Schultz opposed Seattle's ordinance to raise the local minimum wage to $15, which at the time was the highest in the nation. The ordinance passed.[143][144]

From 2005 to 2019, he reportedly voted in 11 of 38 municipal elections.[145] His voting record in Seattle has been described by The Seattle Times as a "pattern of ignoring many local elections over the decades."[146] The paper reported in 2020 that while Schultz is heavily involved in the state's political debates, he often "doesn't show up to vote" in various municipal elections including that of the city's mayor and city council.[147] Washington governor Jay Inslee, who was running against Schultz in the 2020 election, criticized him for his absence in state politics.[148]

Congressman George Nethercutt, a moderate Republican, opined that Eastern Washington "may like what they hear and vote for [Schultz]" more than the Western region.[149]

Foreign policy

[edit]

Schultz has been described as a foreign policy "liberal hawk",[150] favoring socially liberal politics domestically and aggressive, interventionist policies abroad.[151] Generally, he is a supporter of neoliberal institutionalism and international cooperation.[152] In line with this, Schultz advocates for a U.S.-centered unipolar world where countries work with America to ensure stability and peace.[152]

  • United Kingdom: During the 2009 economic crisis, Schultz stated in a highly publicized interview with CNBC that "the place that concerns us the most is western Europe, and specifically the UK. The UK is in a spiral".[153] His comments were meant to express concern with the levels of unemployment and consumer confidence in the United Kingdom.[153] The British Business Secretary at the time, Peter Mandelson, responded negatively to the statement saying that "the UK was not spiralling, although I've noticed Starbucks is in a great deal of trouble." Mandelson later suggested that Schultz was projecting his own company's trouble in the United Kingdom onto the wider national economy.[153] Starbucks issued an office apology soon thereafter.[153]
  • Syria: Schultz criticized the U.S. military withdrawal from Syria in 2019, saying the move had "damaged America's relationships with foreign allies."[101] Furthermore, Schultz lamented the "power vacuum" left by the U.S. in the Middle East as a result of their withdrawal.[151] He supported the idea of leaving a skeletal army force in the region to ensure a minimum level of stability and U.S. influence.[154]
  • Russia: He is a vocal opponent of Russian influence in U.S. politics, calling the country an “enemy of the United States.”[151]
  • China: The commensurate rise of China in the international sphere with the U.S. prompted Schultz to call the country "neither an enemy nor an ally, but a fierce competitor."[101] According to Foreign Policy, his corporate interests in Starbucks could make him implement pro-Chinese policies and legislation.[36] Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman similarly said that Schultz's election to the U.S. presidency would essentially be an insurance policy for Starbucks. "The last thing the Chinese would do is go after the next American president's company," Ackman told the New York Times in 2020.[155] Schultz has repeatedly praised the country's One Belt Road initiative, an infrastructure plan aimed at better connecting territorial China and improving foreign direct investment.[114]
  • Israel: Schultz was involved in a long-standing group chat from October 2023 through early May 2024 with some of the United States' most powerful business leaders with the stated goals of "chang[ing] the narrative" in favor of Israel and "help[ing] win the war" on U.S. public opinion following Hamas's October 7th attack on Israel.[156] Group members included Dell founder and CEO Michael Dell, Kind snack company founder Daniel Lubetzky, hedge fund managers Daniel Loeb and Bill Ackman, billionaire Len Blavatnik, real estate investor Joseph Sitt, and Joshua Kushner, the founder of Thrive Capital and brother to Jared Kushner, president Donald Trump's son-in-law.[156] The group also included non-American citizens, such as Cypriot-Israeli billionaire real estate investor Yakir Gabay.[156] Members of the group chat, including Schultz, discussed how they received private briefings by, and worked closely with, members of the Israeli government, including former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett; Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet; and Israel's ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog.[156] Group members also held a video call in April 2024 with New York City Mayor Eric Adams in an effort to, according to reporting by The Washington Post, "pressure Columbia’s president and trustees to permit the mayor to send police to the campus" to shut down criticism of Israel's offensive military operations in Gaza, which many campus protesters, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, civil servants, and governments around the world have alleged to be genocide.[156] During the video call, group members discussed making political donations to Adams.[156] It is unknown whether Schultz was present on the video call.[156] While Schultz confirmed his membership in the group and his presence at private briefings by Israeli officials, a spokesperson said he "did not participate in, or contribute financially to, any of the group's work."[156]

Political elections

[edit]

2012 presidential election

[edit]

At the start of the 2012 United States presidential election Schultz's name was floated as a potential Democratic candidate.[90] After he instructed Starbucks employees in Washington to write "come together" on all cups to encourage bipartisanship in the federal government on December 26, press speculation intensified.[103] However, Schultz "batted down" these reports days later and confirmed that he was not running for political office.[90] He continued to publicly bemoan the political climate at the time, saying he was "not optimistic about the leadership" of the U.S. on national television.[157] Papers continued to question the finality of his decision with New York Magazine writing "We look forward to your 2016 campaign".[103]

2016 presidential election

[edit]

In late September and early August 2015, press speculation began to surface about a potential run in the upcoming 2016 United States presidential election for Schultz.[158] Maureen Dowd, of The New York Times, broke a story on August 1 that friends of "America's lord of latte, Howard Schultz, have been pressing him to join the Democratic primary."[159] Over the next couple of days media outlets began to speculate if Schultz was going to make a formal announcement. According to Fortune, he was positioned to be a "worthy party back-up to [Hillary] Clinton."[160] Schultz wrote a New York Times op-ed on August 6, 2015, denying this, stating, "Despite the encouragement of others, I have no intention of entering the presidential fray. I'm not done serving Starbucks."[161] Newspapers such as The Atlantic, billed Schultz as the "liberal Donald Trump" due to his comparable career as a businessman and wealth.[162]

2020 presidential election

[edit]
Howard Schultz presidential campaign logo, designed in 2019 in case of a run for President
Schultz being interviewed in 2020

After Schultz stepped down from Starbucks in 2018, political commentators speculated whether he would run in the 2020 United States presidential election.[163][164] There was additional encouragement from a draft movement called Ready for Schultz.[165] He hired Steve Schmidt and Bill Burton, two political consultants, to assess his candidacy.[166] On January 27, 2019, he stated in an interview with 60 Minutes that he was exploring a run for president as an independent candidate, and that he considered running as a centrist.[167] He was reportedly willing to spend $300 to $500 million on the 2020 election.[168] Schultz's proposed independent candidacy was widely condemned by Democrats who argued that Schultz's third-party candidacy would help to re-elect President Trump by splitting the vote of those opposed to the president. Political scientist Larry Sabato said that Schultz's candidacy was likely to benefit Trump. However, a CNN analysis believed that "running on a deficit-reduction platform might end up syphoning as many Republican moderates away from Trump as liberals or independents away from the Democratic nominee."[169] In response to claims that his candidacy would benefit Trump, Schultz said, "Nobody wants to see Donald Trump removed from office more than me."[170] His first town hall in Seattle received mixed reception with protestors holding up "venti mistake" and "grande ego" banners while his actual speech was well received.[171] As a large shareholder of Starbucks stock, Schultz was repeatedly asked about potentially selling all of his holdings if elected to the White House.[172] "There's multiple ways to do this, set up a blind trust, do lots of things to remove any conflict of interest" he replied.[172] He had, however, promised to release all of his tax returns if elected.[172]

Later in February, Schultz said he would stay out of the race if the Democrats nominated "a centrist Democrat."[173] In May 2019, Schultz delayed his decision and by September 6, officially ruled out a presidential run, stating that it wasn't the best way to "serve our country at this time."[174] The eventual progression of candidate Joe Biden as the presumptive nominee motivated Schultz to step aside due to their overlapping political ideologies.[175][176] While he had not officially endorsed Biden for the presidency at the time, Schultz had stated in interviews that he "admires" the candidate.[117] However, on September 14, 2020, Schultz endorsed Biden, and called on Americans to vote for Biden "for the future of our republic".[177]

Personal life

[edit]

In 1982, Schultz married Sheri Kersch, with whom he has two children.[178] His son, Jordan, is a sports analyst and NFL insider currently working for Bleacher Report. They live in Seattle's Madison Park neighborhood, having previously lived near Madrona.[179] Schultz is a noted coffee aficionado, reportedly drinking four to five cups of coffee every day.[180]

Wealth

[edit]

Schultz was named the 209th-richest person in the U.S. in October 2020 by Forbes with a net worth of $4.3 billion.[5] His exploration of running for political office has prompted calls for him to sell all of his stock holdings in Starbucks to appease any conflict of interest.[181] Although not firmly committing to sell his shares upon election, Schultz has expressed interest in setting up a blind trust to hold his shares.[172] However, Foreign Policy noted that even if in a blind trust, his interest in the shares could still prompt a conflict of interest because the shares' performance is linked with the company's performance.[36] In 1998, Schultz established venture capital firm Maveron with investment banker Dan Levitan.[182] He and Levitan primarily invest in start-up companies and seeding consumer-focused companies, such as eBay, Shutterfly, and Zulily.[183] As of July 2014, the venture capital firm was worth $1.3 billion in assets under management (AUM).[184] As of July 2022, Schultz's net worth is US$3.9 billion.[5]

Schultz is the owner of 'PI', a 77-metre luxury superyacht built by Feadship for $120 million.[185][186]

Philanthropy

[edit]
Schultz receiving an award in Washington, D.C., 2018

In 1996, Howard and Sheri Schultz co-founded the Schultz Family Foundation, which supports Onward Youth, aimed at promoting employment for young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not in school and not working,[187][188] and Onward Veterans, which is poised to help post-9/11 military veterans to successfully transition to civilian life.[135]

After the October 7th 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas, the Schultz foundation released a press release on the 13th of October stating that "we join millions around the world who will not remain silent bystanders to evil" and that "More will follow, including support to address the trauma and humanitarian needs that are unfolding".[189] Later on 26 October 2023 Starbucks released another press release further clarifying Schultz and the company's position.[190] The press release stated that Schultz and the company had never sent profits to the Israeli government or army. It did not discuss the Schultz foundation.

Awards and honors

[edit]

In 1998, Schultz received the 'Israel 50th Anniversary Tribute Award' for "playing a key role in promoting a close alliance between the United States and Israel".[191][192] In 1999 AIDs Action awarded Schultz the National Leadership Award for philanthropic and educational efforts to battle AIDS.[193] Schultz was named Fortune magazine's 2011 "Businessperson of the Year" for his initiatives in the economy and job market.[194] Fortune went on to list him as the most generous CEO of 2015, for Starbucks' healthcare coverage, educational opportunities, and employee stock options.[195]

Schultz spoke at the 2017 Arizona State University commencement ceremony and was presented with an honorary Doctor of humane letters degree.[196] In November 2017, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund presented Schultz with the National Equal Justice Award.[197]

Books

[edit]
  • Schultz, Howard; Yang, Dori Jones (1997), Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time, New York: Hyperion, ISBN 0786863153
  • Schultz, Howard; Gordon, Joanne (2011), Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul, New York: Rodale, ISBN 9781605292885
  • Schultz, Howard; Chandrasekaran, Rajiv (2014), For Love of Country: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice, New York: Vintage, ISBN 9781101872826
  • Schultz, Howard; Gordon, Joanne (2019), From the Ground Up: A Journey to Reimagine the Promise of America, New York: Random House, ISBN 9780525509448

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Howard Schultz

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from Grokipedia
Howard Schultz (born 1953) is an American businessman who led Corporation as during three separate tenures from 1987 to 2023, expanding the company from 11 Seattle-area stores to over 35,000 locations in more than 80 countries. Raised in a public housing project by parents where his father worked as a truck driver without health benefits after a workplace injury, Schultz attended on a sports scholarship and later joined in 1982 after being inspired by Italian culture. Under his direction, pioneered and comprehensive for part-time workers, alongside initiatives for via the C.A.F.E. Practices program, establishing the brand as a "third place" for social interaction beyond home and work. Schultz's drew scrutiny for resisting efforts among baristas, leading to congressional hearings and allegations of labor interference, though he maintained direct partnerships with employees as superior to union representation. In 2019, he considered an independent presidential candidacy for 2020 but withdrew, arguing it could inadvertently aid a reelection he opposed; his stands at $3.3 billion as of October 2025, derived mainly from equity.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

Howard Schultz was born on July 19, 1953, in , New York, to working-class parents Fred and Elaine Schultz. As the eldest of three children, he grew up in modest circumstances, initially living with his parents and maternal grandmother in a small apartment until age three. The family later resided in the Bayview Houses public housing projects in Canarsie, a neighborhood characterized by economic challenges for many residents. Fred Schultz, a who did not complete high school, supported the family through a series of low-wage, blue-collar occupations, including , worker, and cab driver. Elaine Schultz worked as a to help make ends meet, amid frequent financial instability typical of their socioeconomic environment. A pivotal event occurred when Schultz was seven years old: his father, then employed as a cloth diaper delivery driver, suffered a broken ankle on the job, resulting in job loss without or income replacement, which exacerbated family hardships and left a lasting impression on young Schultz regarding the vulnerabilities of working-class labor. These experiences in a resource-scarce shaped his early awareness of economic .

Formal Education and Early Influences

Schultz graduated from in , New York, in 1971. In a school serving nearly 6,000 students from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds, he earned distinction as of the football team, a role that honed his leadership skills and provided a pathway beyond his circumstances. This athletic achievement secured him a full football to (NMU) in —the only such offer he received and a pivotal escape from the he observed in his family. Enrolling at NMU in 1971, Schultz majored in communications and graduated with a degree in 1975, marking him as the first in his family to complete . To supplement his scholarship, he held multiple jobs, including roles that demanded persistence amid financial strain, which reinforced his and . The university's demanding environment, combined with his football involvement as an outlet for discipline, shaped his early understanding of teamwork and perseverance, influences he later credited for fueling his entrepreneurial drive. These formative years at NMU instilled a commitment to excellence and opportunity, evident in his subsequent career trajectory.

Business Career

Pre-Starbucks Employment

Schultz graduated from in 1975 with a degree in communications. He then joined Corporation, where he worked for approximately three to four years in sales and marketing roles. In 1979, Schultz transitioned to Hammarplast, a Swedish manufacturer of makers and housewares, after being recruited from . There, he served as and overseeing all U.S. operations, managing a team and handling client relationships in the equipment sector. During this period, in 1981, Schultz visited Coffee Company in as a Hammarplast client to discuss equipment , an encounter that sparked his interest in the company's potential. This role at Hammarplast provided Schultz with direct exposure to the European coffee bar culture and business operations, influencing his later career pivot. He departed Hammarplast in 1982 to join .

Transformation and Leadership at Starbucks

Howard Schultz joined in 1982 as director of retail operations and marketing, at a time when the company operated primarily as a retailer of whole-bean with six stores in focused on bagged sales rather than brewed drinks. In 1983, during a business trip to , , Schultz became inspired by the communal atmosphere of bars, where customers gathered for quick, high-quality and social interaction, leading him to advocate for transforming into a similar "" between home and work emphasizing -based beverages and inviting cafe environments. Unable to convince the original owners to adopt this model fully, Schultz departed in 1985 to found , a chain of bars. In 1987, Schultz led a group of investors to acquire for $3.8 million, merging it with and assuming the role of chairman and CEO; at that point, the company had 11 stores and 100 employees. Under his leadership, shifted to a cafe model, rapidly expanding domestically by prioritizing prime urban locations, consistent store design, and for freshly roasted coffee, growing to 165 stores by the time of its (IPO) on June 26, 1992, which raised funds at a $271 million valuation to fuel further acceleration. This expansion strategy emphasized quality control through in roasting and supply chains, while fostering customer loyalty via training and personalized service. Schultz prioritized employee welfare to build a committed workforce, introducing full health benefits—including medical, dental, and vision coverage—for eligible full- and part-time "partners" in 1988, a rarity for the retail sector at the time, motivated by his own father's lack of support after a . In 1991, ahead of the IPO, extended stock option programs to all eligible employees, promoting ownership and aligning incentives with company performance; these measures contributed to low turnover and high retention amid rapid scaling. International expansion began with the opening of Starbucks' first store outside in Tokyo's district on August 2, 1996, via a , marking entry into and adapting the model to local tastes while maintaining core branding. Schultz stepped down as CEO in 2000 but returned in 2008 amid declining sales and overexpansion—evidenced by flat same-store growth and a stock drop—implementing a turnaround by closing 600 underperforming U.S. stores, retraining baristas on craftsmanship, and refocusing on core values, which restored profitability and grew global stores to over 24,000 by 2017. He resumed the CEO role from 2008 to 2017 and briefly as interim CEO from 2022 to 2023, consistently emphasizing sustainable growth, innovation in menu offerings like (introduced 1995), and ethical sourcing practices.

Ownership of Sports Franchises

In January 2001, Howard Schultz led a group of local investors to acquire the of the (NBA) and the of the (WNBA) from the Ackerley Group for a reported $200 million. The purchase was motivated by Schultz's desire to keep the franchises in amid concerns over the aging KeyArena, though the group was aware of the venue's limitations from the outset. During his tenure as principal owner, Schultz sought public funding for a new arena to replace KeyArena but faced resistance from local taxpayers and political leaders, leading to stalled negotiations. In July 2006, after failing to secure arena commitments, Schultz sold the SuperSonics and its NBA developmental league affiliate to an City-based group led by Clay Bennett for $350 million, retaining a small equity stake initially. The was sold separately to local investor Dawn for $10 million, ensuring it remained in . The SuperSonics' sale agreement allowed for relocation if a new arena deal could not be reached by 2008, and Bennett's group ultimately moved the team to in 2008, rebranding it as the Thunder after legal battles and a $75 million settlement paid to and other stakeholders. later described the ownership as a mistake, stating in 2019 that he "naively" trusted Bennett's intentions to keep the team in and expressing regret for the franchise's departure, which he called a "public wound" for the city. No other sports franchises have been owned by .

Post-Starbucks Ventures and Advisory Roles

After fully transitioning from Starbucks' board of directors on September 13, 2023, where he served as chairman emeritus, Howard Schultz pursued investments in consumer-oriented enterprises. As co-founder of the Seattle-based venture capital firm Maveron, established in 1998 with Dan Levitan, Schultz continued supporting early-stage companies in the consumer sector, with the firm managing nearly $800 million and focusing on brands emphasizing customer experience and innovation. Maveron's portfolio has included investments in e-commerce and lifestyle startups, reflecting Schultz's long-term emphasis on scalable consumer models. In November 2023, Schultz joined a group of investors providing $20.3 million in seed funding to Cumulus Coffee Company, a New York-based startup developing pod systems for home cold coffee brewing, aligning with his background in coffee innovation. That same year, he acquired a 19% stake in a family-controlled olive plantation in Partanna, Sicily, which supplies all of Starbucks' olive oil needs, marking a direct tie to supply chain interests in premium agricultural products. In advisory capacities, Schultz retained influence over as lifelong chairman , offering informal guidance to successors amid operational challenges. In May 2024, he publicly urged the company to refocus on its core identity and experiential retail model to address declining U.S. sales, criticizing dilutions into non-specialty offerings. By June 2025, he endorsed new CEO Brian Niccol's "back to " strategy, emphasizing a return to foundational principles of community and quality, while in July 2025, he encouraged employees to align with leadership's turnaround efforts despite past resistance to operational mandates like return-to-office policies. These interventions underscore his ongoing role in shaping the company's strategic direction without formal authority.

Intellectual and Authorial Contributions

Published Books

Howard Schultz has co-authored four books, three of which focus on his at and principles of business management, while the fourth addresses lessons from military veterans on civic values. His first book, Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time, co-written with Dori Jones Yang, was published on September 8, 1997, by Hyperion. The work chronicles Schultz's acquisition of in 1987, its expansion from six stores to a national chain by emphasizing employee welfare, , and premium sourcing. In 2011, Schultz released Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul, co-authored with Joanne Gordon and published by Rodale Books on March 29. It details his 2008 return as CEO amid financial struggles, including store closures and strategic refocus on core values to reverse declining sales. Shifting from business operations, Schultz co-authored For Love of Country: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice in 2014, drawing on interviews with veterans to advocate for greater societal recognition of military service and its implications for national unity. His most recent book, From the Ground Up: A Journey to Reimagine the Promise of America, published January 28, 2019, by , proposes policy reforms in , healthcare, and job to expand economic opportunity, informed by Schultz's experiences and visits to underserved communities.

Core Ideas on Business and Leadership

Schultz's philosophy prioritizes as the foundation of enduring success, positing that treating employees—whom he terms "partners"—with respect and equity drives , retention, and customer service excellence. In 1988, following his acquisition of , he implemented comprehensive health coverage for part-time workers, a rarity in retail at the time that stemmed from his personal experience with his father's job loss without benefits, aiming to create loyalty and motivation beyond wage incentives. This approach extended to stock options shared upon profitability in 1990, reinforcing a sense of ownership to align individual efforts with company growth. Central to his views is the principle that businesses thrive when guided by core values rather than profit alone, with leaders fostering a culture of , inclusivity, and ethical conduct to sustain . Schultz articulates that sustainable expansion requires discipline in scaling while preserving the "soul" of the organization, as detailed in his writings where he warns against diluting foundational elements through overexpansion or complacency. He emphasizes balancing intuitive vision with rigorous execution, advocating innovation that orbits the core product—such as refining coffee quality and experiential retail—without chasing disparate trends that fragment focus. Schultz promotes servant-style leadership marked by vulnerability and transparency, contending that effective executives admit limitations, share unfiltered information, and empower teams through autonomy balanced with accountability, rather than top-down directives. In practice, this manifests in prioritizing long-term partner and customer expectations over quarterly metrics, as he advised during economic challenges: serve stakeholders "beyond their expectations" to build resilience. He cautions against multitasking objectives, arguing that leaders must ruthlessly prioritize to avoid dysfunction, while rejecting the status quo through perpetual questioning and adaptation. These tenets, drawn from his tenure scaling Starbucks to over 30,000 stores, underscore a causal link between principled people management and scalable value creation, though critics note tensions when such culture confronts union drives, which Schultz views as unnecessary given direct benefit provisions.

Political Engagements

Considerations for Independent Presidential Runs

In January 2019, Howard , the former CEO, publicly announced he was seriously considering an independent presidential candidacy for the 2020 election, motivated by his perception of dysfunction in both major parties and a belief in widespread public demand for a centrist alternative. , a lifelong Democrat, argued that the had devolved into , with Democrats veering too far left on issues like entitlements and Republicans under Trump prioritizing division over governance, leaving room for an independent focused on fiscal responsibility, opportunity, and . He emphasized self-funding his campaign to avoid donor influence, drawing on his personal wealth estimated at over $3 billion, and planned a national listening tour to gauge viability, including events in early primary states. Key logistical considerations included securing across 50 states, a process requiring millions in signatures and legal fees, as independents face stringent state-by-state requirements without infrastructure. Schultz's team explored this through exploratory committees, but historical precedents like Ross Perot's 1992 independent run— which garnered 18.9% of the popular vote but no electoral votes—highlighted the structural barriers, including the winner-take-all favoring major parties. Funding, while mitigated by his self-financing pledge, raised concerns about violating norms, as unlimited self-funding by billionaires like Schultz could distort competition, though he positioned it as independence from special interests. Electoral viability posed the greatest challenge, with early polls showing Schultz's favorability low among Democrats (around 20-30% support) and fears from party leaders that his candidacy would siphon anti-Trump votes, acting as a spoiler similar to Perot's impact in 1992. Democratic strategists and figures like warned that an independent run could hand Trump a second term by splitting the moderate vote, a risk amplified by America's polarized electorate where third-party candidates have not won since 1850. Schultz countered that he aimed to defeat Trump outright, citing internal data suggesting a "credible path" via centrists disillusioned with partisanship, but public reception was tepid, with criticism mounting over his lack of political experience and corporate background. On September 6, 2019, Schultz suspended his exploration and formally withdrew, citing personal health concerns for his wife, the improbability of victory without party support, and a reluctance to inadvertently aid Trump's reelection amid a crowded Democratic field. He acknowledged the "hate and anger" his flirtation provoked from Democrats, underscoring the partisan hostility independents face, though he maintained the need for non-partisan leadership remained unmet. No further serious considerations for independent runs have emerged as of 2025, reflecting the empirical rarity of third-party success in presidential contests.

Testimony and Interactions with Policymakers

On March 29, 2023, Howard Schultz testified before the U.S. Senate on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Senator , in a hearing titled "Protecting the Right to Organize: The Starbucks Story." The session examined allegations that had violated federal labor laws by retaliating against union-organizing employees through firings, store closures following successful union votes, and other practices deemed coercive by the (NLRB). Schultz, who had announced his return as interim CEO in October 2022 and stepped down days before the hearing, agreed to appear only after the committee signaled intent to him, rejecting ' proposals for alternative formats like a video deposition. During his testimony, Schultz denied any company involvement in unlawful activities, stating that Starbucks had "done everything possible to respect the law" and support partners' rights to organize, while emphasizing investments in employee wages, benefits, and training exceeding $1 billion annually. He invoked his father's workplace injury and subsequent firing—without severance or benefits—as motivation for ' employee policies, contrasting it with the company's provision of comprehensive health coverage, including for part-time workers since 1988. Schultz rejected characterizations of himself as a " union buster," attributing negative perceptions to "" from union activists and media, and noted that one reinstated worker had violated policy by photographing and sharing . He clashed directly with Sanders, who cited over 60 NLRB complaints against for alleged violations, and with other Democrats like Senators and , who pressed on executive pay disparities and specific retaliation cases. The testimony highlighted broader tensions between corporate labor practices and union advocacy, with Schultz framing Starbucks' model as superior to unionized competitors in delivering worker outcomes, though labor groups and Democratic lawmakers countered that over 300 stores had unionized by early 2023 amid persistent legal challenges. Schultz's appearance drew criticism from unions for downplaying evidence from NLRB proceedings, which by mid-2023 included rulings against Starbucks in several cases, such as unlawful surveillance and threats. Subsequent to the hearing, on October 3, 2024, an NLRB ruled that a statement Schultz made to a union in —warning of "consequences" for the company's future—constituted an unlawful threat under labor law, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of his direct interventions in union matters. Beyond this congressional testimony, Schultz's interactions with policymakers have been limited and primarily reactive to business policy critiques rather than proactive engagements. In 2019, amid speculation of an independent presidential bid, he publicly critiqued Democratic proposals like Medicare for All as unrealistic and Republican fiscal policies for exacerbating inequality, but without documented formal meetings or advisory roles with elected officials. His engagements have otherwise centered on corporate advocacy, such as supporting veterans' initiatives through partnerships with the Department of Defense, though these involved military rather than civilian policymakers.

Policy Positions and Public Stances

Economic Policies and Fiscal Realism

Howard Schultz has consistently emphasized the U.S. national debt as the primary domestic threat facing the country, arguing in June 2018 that the $21 trillion figure at the time represented an unsustainable burden akin to one no for-profit enterprise could endure. He contended that endless erodes future economic stability and burdens subsequent generations, drawing parallels to private-sector fiscal prudence where unchecked liabilities lead to collapse. Schultz advocates for restoring fiscal balance through a comprehensive federal budget that prioritizes spending restraint over increases alone, criticizing the lack of a since the era as evidence of a fundamentally broken process. He has described chronic overspending as "immoral and reckless," calling for bipartisan reforms that address structural deficits rather than temporary debt ceiling hikes, which he views as distractions from root causes. In outlining potential policy approaches during his 2019 flirtation with an independent presidential bid, Schultz proposed tackling the through targeted entitlement adjustments and opposition to expansive new entitlements, such as Medicare for All, which he labeled unrealistic given existing fiscal pressures. He rejected punitive tax hikes on high earners—like 70% marginal rates or wealth taxes—as counterproductive, asserting they fail to resolve underlying spending excesses and could stifle without yielding net deficit reduction. His stance reflects a business-oriented realism, informed by managing ' growth amid economic cycles, where he prioritized long-term solvency over short-term expansions; has warned that national policies ignoring debt dynamics risk analogous failures, even as some economists, like former Obama advisor , have critiqued such focus as overstated amid low borrowing costs.

Business Regulation and Labor Relations

Schultz has consistently opposed unionization at , arguing that it introduces adversarial dynamics and third-party interference that undermine direct communication between management and employees. He maintains that the company's provision of comprehensive benefits—including for part-time workers since 1988, stock ownership opportunities, and tuition assistance—renders unions unnecessary and potentially detrimental to worker interests. In his 1997 book Pour Your Heart Into It, Schultz detailed this philosophy, emphasizing a "values-driven" model where employee is fostered through internal policies rather than . During a March 29, 2023, U.S. Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing, Schultz testified that Starbucks respects employees' rights to organize but views unionization as inconsistent with the company's partner-focused culture, stating, "We respect the right of every partner who wears a Green Apron, whether they choose to join a union or not." He denied any personal involvement in disciplining union activists and asserted that benefits were withheld from unionized stores only due to legal restrictions under the National Labor Relations Act, which prohibits unilateral changes in unionized settings without negotiation. Schultz further claimed, " Coffee Company... has not broken the law," dismissing pending (NLRB) charges as unproven allegations. Notwithstanding Schultz's positions, the NLRB has ruled against Starbucks in multiple cases during his tenure, including a October 3, 2024, decision finding that violated the NLRA by telling a pro-union in 2022, "if you're not happy at Starbucks, you can go work for another company," interpreting it as an implicit threat to quit rather than endure anti-union policies. judges have upheld at least eight violations related to union suppression efforts, such as firing organizers and , though Starbucks has appealed these findings. has countered that such actions stem from legitimate business needs, like prevention or policy enforcement, rather than anti-union animus. On broader business regulation, Schultz has advocated for reduced regulatory burdens to foster , particularly for small firms, while cautioning against overregulation that stifles . In a 2019 Denver speech, he criticized both political parties for policies exacerbating regulatory and tax complexities, urging business-government partnerships to address social issues without punitive measures. He opposed Senator Elizabeth Warren's 2019 proposals to dismantle large technology firms like Amazon, arguing instead for enhanced oversight of "very large and very powerful" entities to prevent monopolistic abuses without disruptive breakups. During the , Schultz led efforts supporting the RESTART Act in 2020, which aimed to provide targeted grants and flexibility to small businesses overwhelmed by shutdowns and compliance demands, positioning himself as a proponent of regulatory relief to avert widespread closures.

Social and Cultural Issues

Schultz has positioned as a leader in promoting racial equity and inclusion, implementing initiatives such as the 2015 "Race Together" campaign, which prompted baristas to discuss racial issues with customers but elicited widespread criticism for perceived overreach and insensitivity. In response to the April 12, 2018, of two men at a store for trespassing while awaiting a meeting, Schultz announced company-wide racial , closing more than 8,000 U.S. stores on May 29, 2018, affecting 175,000 employees and costing an estimated $12 million in lost sales. He described the as "just the beginning" of broader efforts to foster inclusive environments, including partnerships with organizations like the Legal Defense Fund to develop racial equity benchmarks for hiring, supply chains, and community grants. These policies, which included race-based decision-making in promotions and contracts, faced shareholder lawsuits alleging reverse discrimination against non-minorities. On LGBTQ rights, Schultz led Starbucks to endorse same-sex marriage in 2005 by filing an amicus brief in support of Massachusetts' legalization efforts, and the company later joined the Human Rights Campaign's coalition advocating for the Equality Act to extend federal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Starbucks under his influence extended domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples as early as 2004 and committed to inclusive hiring practices, contributing to its high scores on corporate equality indices. Schultz has expressed support for abortion rights, describing himself as a "pro-choice person" in a February 2019 interview. Regarding firearms, a cultural flashpoint, he requested in September 2013 that customers refrain from bringing guns into stores following pressure from advocates, while affirming respect for the Second Amendment and criticizing the binary choice between outright bans and unrestricted ownership. In February 2019 testimony, he advocated for "sensible gun laws" amid debates over mass shootings. His approach to these issues has drawn partisan critique; for instance, a 2019 comment during a potential presidential run that "I don't see color" in the context of merit-based hiring was condemned by progressive outlets as dismissive of systemic racism, despite his prior equity initiatives. Schultz has maintained that corporate social engagement stems from first-hand experiences with and , emphasizing empirical outcomes like diverse over ideological mandates.

Foreign Policy and Global Trade

Schultz has emphasized the importance of U.S.- cooperation on global challenges, including managing the North Korean nuclear issue and advancing international climate policies. During the 2018 U.S.- , he opposed tariffs on Chinese imports, arguing on May 29, 2018, that such measures would fail to create American jobs and could harm businesses reliant on global supply chains, including ' operations in , its largest market outside the U.S. In March 2019, Schultz publicly stated that President Trump could not be trusted in trade negotiations with , reflecting concerns over erratic U.S. policy amid escalating tensions. On January 14, 2021, Chinese President wrote to Schultz, urging him and to actively promote U.S.- economic and trade ties, citing the company's extensive footprint—over 5,000 stores in at the time—as a conduit for bilateral goodwill. Regarding broader foreign policy, Schultz criticized the Trump administration's December 2018 decision to withdraw U.S. troops from , advocating in February 2019 for sustained American military engagement to counter threats like . He has also faulted Trump for eroding alliances with traditional partners, such as members, thereby weakening U.S. global influence. Schultz's stances align with his experience expanding internationally, where he prioritized practices for coffee sourcing from regions like and , though these efforts focused on corporate rather than formal advocacy.

Controversies and Criticisms

Unionization efforts at gained momentum in late 2021, beginning with a successful vote at a store in , on December 9, 2021, marking the first U.S. company-owned location to unionize under Starbucks Workers United, affiliated with and the (SEIU). By mid-2022, over 200 stores had filed for union elections, with union supporters citing issues like understaffing, unpredictable scheduling, and inadequate pay amid rising living costs. Howard Schultz, who had stepped down as CEO in 2022 but returned as interim CEO on October 25, 2022, framed the push as symptomatic of broader societal disillusionment among young workers rather than company-specific failings, arguing that unions represented an adversarial dynamic incompatible with ' culture of direct employer-employee partnership. Schultz's tenure saw intensified company resistance, including announcements of wage hikes, expanded benefits like college tuition aid, and faster accrual—totaling nearly $1 billion in investments—but these were explicitly limited to non-union stores, prompting union accusations of coercive exclusion to discourage organizing. Schultz maintained that such measures addressed worker needs without third-party intervention, emphasizing ' historical opposition to unions dating back to his early leadership, where he successfully thwarted (IWW) organizing attempts in the 2000s through enhanced benefits and dialogue. By early 2023, union filings exceeded 300 stores, though success rates varied, with some elections contested amid claims of employer like , mandatory meetings, and firings of pro-union activists. Legal challenges escalated through (NLRB) proceedings, with the agency issuing over 70 complaints against by March 2023, alleging more than 1,300 violations of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), including unlawful firings, threats, and interference in union activities. Specific rulings implicated Schultz personally: In October 2023, an NLRB found that Schultz violated the NLRA in 2018 by telling a pro-union in she could "go work for another company" if dissatisfied, interpreting it as an illegal threat to discharge union supporters. A separate October 2024 NLRB decision ruled that Schultz unlawfully suggested in a 2022 Long Beach, California, interaction that a union advocate could quit if unionization proceeded, breaching protections for concerted activity. and Schultz contested these findings, appealing to federal courts and arguing that NLRB interpretations overreach into legitimate business discourse, while a March 2023 Senate HELP Committee hearing—chaired by —grilled Schultz on the practices, though he denied systemic illegality and stepped down as CEO in March 2023 amid the scrutiny. As of 2024, ongoing litigation includes consolidated cases like a March 2023 NLRB ruling citing "egregious and widespread misconduct" in Phoenix stores, ordering reinstatements and backpay, with mounting defenses that such actions were responses to misconduct rather than anti-union animus.

Public Relations Missteps

In March 2015, Starbucks launched the "Race Together" campaign under Schultz's leadership, encouraging baristas to write the phrase on customer cups and engage in discussions about race relations amid national tensions following events like the Ferguson unrest. The initiative, intended to foster dialogue, drew immediate backlash for placing an undue burden on low-wage employees and appearing as performative corporate activism, leading to widespread mockery on social media and criticism from commentators who argued it diluted serious issues into superficial branding. Schultz defended the effort as a genuine commitment but curtailed it within days, acknowledging the execution had misfired while maintaining the intent was sincere. The April 2018 arrest of two men at a for trespassing while awaiting a meeting sparked accusations of , prompting national protests and boycotts. Schultz, as executive chairman, publicly expressed being "ashamed and embarrassed" by the incident, announcing the closure of 8,000 U.S. stores on May 29, 2018, for mandatory racial bias training at a cost of up to $12 million, affecting 175,000 employees. While the response aimed to demonstrate accountability, critics contended it represented an overreaction that prioritized optics over addressing systemic store policies, such as rules unevenly enforced. During a February 2019 town hall amid speculation of an independent presidential bid, Schultz responded to a question on ' post-Philadelphia bias training by stating, "In my life, I don't see color," intending to convey personal impartiality but drawing sharp rebukes for dismissing racial awareness in a nation grappling with inequality. Activists and media outlets labeled the remark as out-of-touch and emblematic of white privilege, exacerbating perceptions of Schultz as disconnected from concerns despite his prior corporate diversity initiatives. In November 2021, at the Dreamforce conference, Schultz recounted a survivor's story of family aid to illustrate ' employee support during hardships, drawing an analogy between the company's "partners" and historical humanitarian acts. The comparison provoked outrage for trivializing , with critics arguing it exemplified tone-deaf executive that conflated business benevolence with profound human suffering. Schultz clarified the intent was to highlight themes of humanity and resilience, but the episode fueled narratives of insensitivity in his public communications. During a 2022 employee forum in , Schultz told a critical of ' unionization handling and response, "if you're not happy at , you can go work for another company," a statement later ruled by the in October 2024 as an unlawful threat implying job loss for union advocacy. The remark, made amid escalating union drives, amplified perceptions of Schultz as antagonistic toward organized labor, undermining his image as a progressive employer despite prior benefits expansions.

Political Backlash from Partisan Extremes

In January 2019, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz announced he was considering an independent run for the U.S. in 2020, prompting swift condemnation from Democratic leaders who argued it would fracture the anti-Trump vote and inadvertently secure a second term for incumbent President . Figures such as Representative labeled the potential bid "deeply irresponsible," while Illinois Senator warned that third-party candidacies historically benefit Republicans by siphoning progressive support, citing Ralph Nader's 2000 role in George W. Bush's victory. Schultz, who described himself as a centrist disillusioned with both major parties' polarization, expressed surprise at the intensity of the Democratic response, noting he had not identified strictly as a Democrat for years and viewed the party's shift toward expansive government programs as fiscally untenable. The left-wing critique escalated during public appearances, including a January Barnes & Noble event where protesters heckled Schultz as an "egotistical asshole" whose ego-driven campaign would enable Trump's re-election by splitting the Democratic base. At a February CNN town hall, audience members and commentators derided his platform as vague and elitist, accusing him of prioritizing personal ambition over defeating Trump and questioning his understanding of working-class struggles despite his billionaire status and corporate background. Schultz countered that the vitriol exemplified partisan intolerance, insisting an independent candidacy could transcend binary politics and appeal to a majority frustrated with extremism, though polls indicated limited viability, with support hovering below 5% nationally. From the right, backlash was muted compared to the Democratic outcry, as Republicans perceived Schultz's entry as potentially advantageous by diluting opposition to Trump; however, conservative critics dismissed him as a liberal-leaning corporate figure insufficiently aligned with GOP priorities, pointing to ' policies under his leadership, such as the 2014 request for patrons to leave firearms outside stores, which alienated Second Amendment advocates. Schultz's criticism of both parties' vilification of business further irked hardline conservatives who viewed his centrism as naive amid cultural battles, though no organized Republican opposition materialized. Ultimately, facing sustained pressure and internal dissent over the distraction, Schultz suspended his exploratory efforts on September 6, 2019, citing the "toxic" political climate as a barrier to constructive .

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Family and Personal Relationships

Howard Schultz was born on July 19, 1953, in , New York, to parents Fred Schultz, a , and Elaine Schultz, a , in a working-class Jewish facing financial hardship. As the eldest of three siblings, he grew up alongside his sister Ronnie and brother Michael in the Canarsie Bayview Houses, a project, where the family relied on his father's blue-collar amid economic instability. Schultz's early experiences, including his father's injury and loss of work without benefits when Schultz was a teenager, profoundly shaped his views on employment security and family support. In 1982, Schultz married Sheri Kersch, an interior designer whom he met during his early career; the couple has sustained a exceeding four decades, with Sheri providing personal and philanthropic partnership throughout his professional ascent. They have two children: daughter Addison Kersch Schultz and son Eliahu Jordan Schultz. The family resides in Seattle's Madison Park neighborhood, prioritizing privacy and independence, as evidenced by Schultz's deliberate choice to exclude his children from employment to encourage self-reliance. Sheri Schultz co-founded the Schultz Family Foundation with her husband in 1996, focusing on youth opportunity, though their joint efforts underscore a shared family-oriented commitment rather than public prominence.

Wealth Accumulation and Financial Status

Schultz's wealth primarily derives from his leadership and equity stake in Corporation. In 1987, he assembled investors to acquire for approximately $3.8 million, transforming the small Seattle-based retailer into a global chain through aggressive expansion and the introduction of espresso-based beverages modeled on Italian coffee bars. This buyout laid the foundation for his fortune, as the company's revenue grew from $1.3 million in fiscal 1987 to over $500 million by 1992, driven by store openings and brand scaling. The 1992 (IPO) marked a pivotal milestone, with shares debuting at $17 and raising $271 million to fuel further growth, valuing the company at around $271 million post-IPO. , as CEO and major shareholder, benefited from stock appreciation; the shares rose significantly over decades, enabling him to retain substantial holdings while selling portions periodically. By , he owned approximately 21.8 million shares, comprising the bulk of his disclosed assets at that time. supplemented equity gains, including stock options and bonuses; for instance, in fiscal 2016, his total pay reached $21.8 million, comprising salary, incentives, and equity awards tied to performance metrics like revenue growth. From 2008 to 2017 alone, compensation totaled over $500 million, reflecting recoveries from the and subsequent expansions. Over time, Schultz diversified through share sales and investments, reducing his direct Starbucks ownership to under 2% while maintaining status via realized gains and other holdings, such as and a acquired in 2025. His stood at $3.3 billion as of October 25, 2025, predominantly linked to Starbucks equity value amid market fluctuations, though subject to stock volatility and divestitures. This accumulation reflects entrepreneurial scaling rather than , originating from modest beginnings in .

Charitable Initiatives and Foundations

The Schultz Family Foundation, established in 1996 by Howard Schultz and his wife Sheri Kersch Schultz, focuses on fostering for young adults aged 16 to 24 and veterans through programs emphasizing , skill-building, and employment pathways. With assets reported at approximately $375 million, the foundation supports initiatives in , , and , primarily via grants ranging from $3,000 to $30,000 to organizations aiding marginalized youth, including , Indigenous, and other underserved communities, as well as transitioning military personnel. A key initiative under the foundation is Onward Veterans, launched in 2015 as a to assist post-9/11 military veterans and their families in civilian reintegration through career training, assessments, and multi-week skill programs. In 2014, Schultz pledged $30 million to develop veteran-specific job-training efforts, including a $1.7 million commitment to equip up to 10,000 service members and spouses with targeted vocational skills via partnerships with institutions like Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Onward to Opportunity, a core component, provides tuition assistance and career guidance, motivated in part by Schultz's father’s Army service in the South Pacific. Complementing this, the foundation's Onward Youth program advances opportunities for at-risk young adults via , equity investments through its Entrepreneurs Equity Fund, and frontline support in areas like justice system reentry. Additional efforts include the Youth Mental Health Corps, which deploys members to schools and clinics for activities such as check-ins and resource navigation, and responsive grants for disaster relief and crisis response. Recent grantees encompass entities like and organizations serving youth exiting incarceration, reflecting a strategy of scalable, opportunity-focused interventions over broad redistribution.

Awards, Honors, and Legacy

Recognitions Received

Schultz received the 50th Anniversary Tribute Award in 1998 from the Jerusalem Fund, recognizing his contributions to business and community initiatives. In 1999, he was awarded the National Leadership Award by AIDS Action for his philanthropic and educational efforts against AIDS. In 2000, presented Schultz with the Botwinick Prize in , honoring ethical practices in his leadership of . The Horatio Alger Association awarded him its Horatio Alger Award in 2007, acknowledging his rise from to business success and commitment to opportunity for others. Northwestern University's granted Schultz the Distinguished Leadership Award, with a specific presentation of the 2013 Kellogg Award recognizing his transformative impact on and employee welfare policies. In 2018, the Atlantic Council bestowed upon him the Distinguished Business Leadership Award for his global business influence and strategic vision. Additional honors include selection as one of Time magazine's World's Most Influential People and recognition as Businessperson of the Year by Fortune, reflecting his role in scaling Starbucks to over 35,000 stores worldwide.

Long-Term Impact on Business and Society

Schultz's leadership at Starbucks fundamentally altered the retail coffee landscape by pioneering the mass-market premium coffee model, shifting consumer perceptions from commoditized coffee to an experiential beverage culture. Upon acquiring Starbucks in 1987 with 11 stores, he oversaw expansion to over 3,000 locations by 2000, emphasizing high-quality sourcing and barista training inspired by Italian espresso bars. This growth continued during his 2008–2017 tenure, reaching approximately 25,000 stores globally by 2017, establishing Starbucks as a benchmark for scalable branding in the food and beverage sector. His strategies influenced competitors to adopt similar premium positioning, elevating industry standards for product quality and customer experience while generating billions in annual revenue—Starbucks reported $36.2 billion in fiscal 2024, a trajectory rooted in Schultz-era innovations. On corporate culture, Schultz embedded employee-centric policies that set precedents for retail, including extending comprehensive benefits to part-time workers as early as the late —a rarity in the industry at the time—and later initiatives like stock ownership and tuition reimbursement programs. These measures, motivated by his personal experiences with labor instability, fostered loyalty and reduced turnover, contributing to sustained and influencing broader adoption of such benefits in to enhance productivity. Schultz's advocacy for "partners" over employees reinforced a values-driven , prioritizing long-term investment over short-term cost-cutting, which peer analyses credit with building resilient organizational cultures amid economic volatility. Societally, the "third place" concept—envisioning stores as communal hubs beyond home and work—popularized accessible social spaces in urban environments, correlating with increased local where cafes were scarce. This model spurred global consumption patterns, with ethical sourcing commitments under Schultz promoting sustainable farming practices that supported smallholder producers in regions like and . While scalability challenges have diluted some original community aspects in recent years, the enduring legacy includes heightened corporate emphasis on , as evidenced by ' ongoing programs for veteran hiring and community investments, which trace back to his vision of as a force for societal equity.

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