Nickname: adhi

Review: I am working in the planning department of a telecom company in Indonesia. This article showed me that starting a business is not only about vision, mission, marketing, investment, and financial planning. It's also about the human resource perspective. It is truly an inspiring concept.

Date reviewed: Jun 28, 2006 10:06 AM

Nickname: Lisa

Review: I also work at Starbucks in the corporate headquarters in Seattle. This was my last attempt to work for a large corporation, having had a couple of negative experiences. I have to say, I've been here for three years now and not only still love my job, but I'm also incredibly proud to tell people where I work. I, too, got a $125 bonus in my check and it's not the first time the company has done this. Someone talked earlier about using hormone free milk-- tell me where the supply exists in the quantities we need (remember that there are over 5,000 stores in North America, alone) and I will ensure that it makes it to the proper people! To me, Starbucks is committed to doing the best it can wherever it can--fair trade coffee, financial and educational support of coffee farmers, and the environment in coffee producing nations, dedication to the partners (all employees) and dedication to local communities and many other endeavors. It really is a great place to spend my day!

Date reviewed: Jun 10, 2006 5:04 PM

Nickname: C

Review: Insightful article! By pointing things out this way, you've shown me a few things that I need to think about in my own business to make it more fulfilling and take it beyond "average."

Date reviewed: May 13, 2006 12:02 PM

Nickname: GlobalBusinessStreet

Review: I love these kinds of stories and this is a great article about what can be accomplished in America. I do believe that if you are passionate about what you are doing you can accomplish anything.

Date reviewed: May 12, 2006 9:07 PM

Nickname: Wenonah Hauter

Review: If Mr. Schultz believes strongly in social commitment, he should use his coffee empire's buying power to follow in the path of other socially responsible corporations by using milk made without artificial hormones. One of the most common ingredients in many of its popular drinks is milk. The milk that Starbucks uses contains an artificial growth hormone, known as rBGH, which is mainly used in large-scale dairy farms to expedite production of milk in their cows. The result? Cows get more infections, which increases antibiotic use, resulting in harm to the animals as well as human health concerns. Other retailers such as Ben & Jerry's use milk without rBGH, proving that it can be done without excessive cost. So far, Starbucks hasn't followed this trend, but we think it's time to reconsider. The company has immense buying power in the dairy market. If Mr. Schultz' dedication to his coffee empire and his customers is genuine, he will buy better milk.

Date reviewed: May 9, 2006 10:22 PM

Nickname: Stephen

Review: This is 100% proof of the phrase " Survivors will and Quitters will not ". Power to all of the Howard Shultzes around the world.

Date reviewed: May 7, 2006 11:58 PM

Nickname: CJ

Review: Passion can cover most incomplete talents. I forgot who said this, but I think this is really true about passion. I didn't mean that Schultz isn't gifted. He is talented and his passion put his talent on the right direction toward success. The thing is, truthfully, that not everyone can have enthusiasm, a naturally born persoanlity which cannot be made up. Passion, you either have it in you or you don't.

Date reviewed: May 7, 2006 10:46 PM

Nickname: nc

Review: Starbucks, for me, represents my extended family. They back me up when I need them the most.

Date reviewed: May 7, 2006 1:19 PM

Nickname: terry malloy

Review: Alex, I did my major in Economics and now work quite sucessfully for one of the corporations. Trust me, I have nothing against capitalism at all. And I love Starbucks; it's a great place, I can't even imagine my life without popping into Starbucks few times a week. But not because of what it stands for, but for the services they provide. What I wanted to say in my previous comment was this: even though I really admire Howard Schultz for what he has done with the company (I read his books), and lots of people can learn from him, the company itself has changed dramaticaly over the last 10 years, and what it really cares for now is "earnings per share." The whole corporate social responsibility thing and mission statement saying we aim to provide a great work environment and treat each other with respect and dignity, embrace diversity...is nothing more than just a gimmick and it always amazes me how many people still buy into it.

Date reviewed: May 7, 2006 10:03 AM

Nickname: starbucksbarista

Review: Terry, I work at Starbucks, and it's the real deal. Starbucks this week demonstrated that, although committed to making a profit, they're committed to their employees (we're called 'partners') and customers first. The company is disbursing a few million dollars directly to all partners because we made so much money last year. I'm getting an extra $125 on my next paycheck. That's a pretty good deal for working at what is basically a pricey fast food joint. (Although we hope Starbucks is more than that for our customers!)

Date reviewed: May 7, 2006 2:30 AM