Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz Announces Plan to Hire 10,000 Refugees
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz sent a message to employees on Sunday, announcing plans to hire 10,000 refugees in its stores over the next five years. As chairman and CEO, Schultz has transformed the company into a global power and spearheaded several social programs during his tenure. Now he's directly responding to President Trump's recent policy measures.
"We have a long history of hiring young people looking for opportunities and a pathway to a new life around the world. This is why we are doubling down on this commitment by working with our equity market employees as well as joint venture and licensed market partners in a concerted effort to welcome and seek opportunities for those fleeing war, violence, persecution and discrimination," Schultz wrote.
He also reaffirmed a corporate commitment to working with growers in Mexico and to providing eligible employees with insurance, should they lose coverage if the Affordable Care Act is repealed.
Here's what else you need to know about the man behind the mermaid.
He's always had an affinity for coffee.
Not long after graduating, Schultz was the general manager for a Hammarplast, a Swedish drip coffee-maker manufacturer.
His peers admire him.
CEO of Nike and Apple have called his Seattle Roastery an "incomparable consumer experience." Schultz pioneered the upscale joint, which Starbucks plans to expand worldwide.
He's politically inclined.
Schultz has made major political contributions to Democrats, endorsing both President Obama and Hillary Clinton.
But his heart remains with Starbucks.
He stepped down from Starbucks in 2000, only to return in 2008 to help the company during the financial crisis. He announced last December that he will step down again in April.
He has a big heart.
Another initiative on his list? Creating major job fairs for people in high unemployment areas. He also helped with employee education.
"By giving our partners access to four years of full tuition coverage, we will provide them a critical tool for lifelong opportunity," Schultz told theLos Angeles Times.
He's a self-made man.
His family lived in a Brooklyn housing project when he was growing up. They had limited insurance and struggled to make ends meet. Schultz vowed to help people if he ever rose to a position of power.
He likes straight coffee.
"I don't like any of the drinks that have been pre-sweetened, in terms of frappuccino and things like that. Those are fabulous beverages, but I'm a purist when it comes to coffee."
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