Zev Siegl - The Co-Founder of Starbucks on the Joys of Coffee and How to Start a Business

Zev Siegl is the co-founder of Starbucks Coffee Company, now one of the world’s most beloved brands.

In 1971, Zev Siegl, his fellow teacher Jerry Baldwin, and writer Gordon Bowker realized their passion for coffee and established Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market with the mission to offer some of the world’s finest, fresh-roasted, whole bean coffees. Following his departure from Starbucks in 1980, Zev became a serial entrepreneur, founding Quartermaine Coffee Roasters in Washington DC, Peerless Pie in Seattle, and more recently, BuckleUp. Zev is passionate about helping young entrepreneurs and has become one of the most sought-after motivational and entrepreneurship keynote speakers in the world.

It&aposs no secret that I&aposm a coffee fanatic. Downright obsessive, even. Despite often feeling overwhelmed by my daily work schedule across my businesses, books, talks, and the podcast, I never compromise on my 7 minute coffee making ritual every morning. Not only does it transition me to a concentrated state of mind, but it reminds me to be present and to work with love. And of course, I&aposd go nowhere without the caffeine kick.

Interviewing Zev was an exciting moment for me, and what an incredible chat we ended up having. Getting the inside tale on the humble beginnings of one of the world&aposs most iconic coffee brands from a visionary like Zev - who saw the need in the market for a new class of coffee - was insightful and simply a joy.

Listen as we discuss:

The founding and early years of Starbucks that led it to become a worldwide phenomenonZev’s transition from teacher to founder-entrepreneurHow Zev and his partners came up with the idea for Starbucks (around a disgusting espresso!)Finding mentors by boldly reaching outCoffee culture in the Middle East and its connection to a history of hospitality How Zev feels about Starbucks’ success even after he left the companyThe fundamental Starbucks approach to customer service and educationHow entrepreneurs are born from frustrationThe humble skill of listening and asking questions to help entrepreneurs test their ideasZev’s nuggets of wisdom for both struggling and aspiring startups and entrepreneurs

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Connect with Zev Siegl on LinkedIn and zevsiegl.com

Thanks to our friends at Aurum Speakers Bureau for connecting us to Zev.

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Don&apost forget to subscribe to Slo Mo for new episodes every Saturday. Only with your help can we reach One Billion Happy #onebillionhappy