S20·E28 Howard Schultz and Starbucks

Howard Schultz transformed a small Seattle coffee retailer into one of the most recognizable brands in the world. This inspiring episode of Biography examines the life of the entrepreneur whose vision revolutionized the way millions of people experience coffee. Raised in a working-class family in Brooklyn, Schultz learned early lessons about hard work, perseverance, and opportunity. Through interviews, archival footage, and insight from business experts, the program traces his journey from salesman to corporate leader and follows his efforts to purchase and expand Starbucks into a global phenomenon. Discover how Schultz drew inspiration from Italian coffee culture to create a welcoming "third place" between home and work, turning a simple cup of coffee into a thriving lifestyle experience. The episode also explores the risks, challenges, and innovations that fueled Starbucks' remarkable growth, as well as Schultz's commitment to employee benefits and corporate responsibility.