We all have a passion. For some it may be writing, parenting, dancing, art, traveling; the possibilities are endless. However, coffee is the passion of Howard Shultz and if you know me at all, it's also mine. Howard Schultz is currently the CEO of Starbucks, and has been with the company since 1982. He wrote a business memoir, Onward, that discusses a critical time for the Starbucks Coffee Company and how they were able to overcome many obstacles without losing their values and culture. Schultz’s story is captivating -- a must read! This book got me incredibly passionate about this company, as if I wasn't enough already. It is through human connection, great leadership and passion that Howard shows people everywhere how Starbucks has become a major success. Through my many adventures to Starbucks for a quick bite to eat, coffee date, chatting with a friend, homework, or just to sip on coffee and relax, I have become addicted but also inspired. Starbucks is more than just a coffee shop, it's a culture and a company that is dedicated to making it our third place. Here are the reason why I will choose Starbucks over other coffees every time!
The options are endless! Starbucks keeps on grabbing our attention with more and more products. You can get coffee (duh), water, tea, frappuchinos and many more drinks. They are always creating something new, even if it's just for a short while. But the possibilities don't stop there. The food! You can get breakfast sandwiches (my personal favorite), cake pops, bagels, donuts and tons of delicious treats! They also offer us great products which change every season as well. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, they roll out the new line of tumblers, coffee mugs, travel mugs, Christmas ornaments and so much more. My eyes sparkle and shine as I walk into the store and see all the glorious products they have. The possibilities really are endless with this amazing company.
Can anyone say quality?! The quality of the coffee at Starbucks just surpasses all others! Did you know they only use Arabic coffee? Most other consumers purchase robust coffee because it is cheaper, but it does not give off the same great flavor that Arabic coffee does. Starbucks is so selective with their coffee beans that only three percent of the world's highest quality coffee makes it to them. This is what sets them apart from so many others. Think about it. When is the last time you went to Starbucks and had a bag coffee? My answer: never! It is delicious and the best coffee I have ever had. Just one of the many reasons I keep going back for more.
My favorite reason that I keep going back to Starbucks isn't even about the coffee, but about the atmosphere. Starbucks is my third place. If you choose to read the memoir about Starbucks, (which you should) you will see what a great place it is to connect. CEO, Howard Shultz says that we all have a first, second and third place. He says that each place, is a place that we connect with other people and with ourselves. The first place is home, the second work and he notes, that the third place is in between those two. “A public space such as a coffeehouse -- such as Starbucks -- is what I have always referred to as the “third place.” A social yet personal environment between one’s house and job, where people can connect with others and reconnect with themselves.” (Onward, Shultz & Gordon, 2011, p. 13) Think about all the things going on in Starbucks when you're there next. Look around and see how many people are laughing with loved ones, reading a great book that inspires them, baristas connecting with customers, etc. There are so many connections going on but sometime we fail to realize that. Human connection is something that Starbucks strives for, and I believe they do one hell of a job.
I could go on and on about how great I think this company is and how much I believe in it, but I won’t. Get out there and realize it for yourself. Take a trip to Starbucks and watch is all unfold. Eat the delectable pastry's, sip on your favorite coffee drink and most of all discover how Starbucks can also be your third place.
The last thing I'd like to leave is the Starbucks mission statement. If you can't see what a terrific company they are from their possibilities, quality and connection, maybe you can see it from this.
The Starbucks Mission:
To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. (Starbucks Coffee Company)
