From a Jewish kid in the Brooklyn projects
To building a $100 billion coffee empire and donating $100 million to charity
This is the story of Howard Schultz, the man who built @Starbucks
Born in 1953 to Ashkenazi Jewish parents in Brooklyn’s Canarsie housing projects,
Howard grew up in a working-class family facing hardships.
His father’s unstable jobs fueled his drive for opportunity, rooted in his Jewish upbringing and the American dream.
The first in his family to attend college (on scholarship at Northern Michigan University),
he joined Starbucks in 1982 when it was a small Seattle chain of 11 stores.
Inspired by Italy’s espresso culture, he envisioned Starbucks as a community “third place.”
After leaving to start his own venture, he bought and rebranded Starbucks in 1987. As CEO, he grew it to over 30,000 stores worldwide,
revolutionizing coffee with premium quality, employee benefits, and social focus.
Starbucks now generates tens of billions in annual revenue and remains a global icon.
Schultz’s net worth has reached billions as a self-made entrepreneur.
His greatest legacy? Deep Jewish pride and thoughtful giving.
Through the Schultz Family Foundation (co-founded with wife Sheri), he focuses on veterans, youth employment, and community.
After the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, the foundation condemned terrorism and pledged aid for Israel’s healing, trauma support, and rebuilding.
He has also donated sporadically to local Jewish organizations and maintained ties reflecting his heritage and tzedakah.
From Brooklyn projects to billionaire who built an iconic brand and gave back to community and Jewish life Howard Schultz’s journey embodies resilience, innovation, Jewish entrepreneurial spirit, and generosity.
Yossi Farro
