Starbucks Passion

Howard Schultz Visits Toronto! Part 2

Last week Howard Schultz visited Toronto to speak to hundreds, maybe even thousands, of Starbucks partners from all over. It was part of Starbucks’ 40^th Anniversary Tour.

Luckily, the event took place in my office building – what are the chances?! Obviously I couldn’t hear him speak because I am not a partner. But that doesn’t mean that I couldn’t hang around the foyer of the event and partake in some of the festivities.

There were a dozen or so partners hanging around the elevators that took partners up to the event on the 7^th floor of my office building. They were checking partner cards and ushering eager partners into the elevator and up to the 7^th floor.

I approached a smiling partner and explained that although I was not a partner, I am an avid Starbucks enthusiast who just wants to take in the energy of the event from the foyer. After a few polite exchanges he granted me entrance to the event foyer. (it was a nice exception to the partner-only rule).

I entered the elevator, alone. I pressed floor 7 and slowly ascended to the event. The elevator ride probably took only 30 seconds but it felt like an eternity.

Floor 2 – I waited

Floor 3 – I got anxious

Floor 4 – I was excited

Floor 5 and 6 – I could barely wait

Floor 7 – I made it!

The elevator doors finally opened and I rushed out. All I saw was a sea of green aprons and Starbucks signage. There were more helpful partners waiting to greet me as soon as I stepped off the elevator and into the venue.

I was speechless. What an elaborate and beautiful set-up. Everywhere I turned there were partners smiling, laughing and carrying on like this was the greatest day in their Starbucks careers. I wish I was a partner, but I was still grateful to be there.

Before I could even take 10 steps through the crowd, an old friend and ASM named Ryan yelled out to me and welcomed me to the event. What a pleasant surprise to see Ryan. We caught up and walked over to the coffee station.

We talked and laughed over a cup or two of Pike Place Roast. He introduced me to his manager and several other partners. I ran into a few other partners I knew and chatted for about 20 minutes.

It was a lot of fun. Even though I only spent about 30 minutes at the event, the energy was great and I am grateful for being able to experience it.

I talked to a few partners the next day and they said exactly what I expected…

Howard’s speech was amazing.