Zev Siegl Speaker Biography
Co-Founder of Starbucks
Zev Siegl is a leading keynote speaker, presenter, and the co-founder of Starbucks, one of the world’s most recognized brands. Along with starting Starbucks and various other coffee chains,Siegl also started his own consulting company that serves owners of small business enterprises and aspiring entrepreneurs with advice regarding funding new companies’ growth needs, financial forecasting, planning, private equity offerings, and applying for bank loans. From setting a vision, identifying mentors and partners, securing funding, setting up operations, product development and launch, Siegl helps aspiring entrepreneurs navigate their way to becoming successful business owners.
Starbucks
In 1971 Siegl, fellow teacher Jerry Baldwin, and writer Gordon Bowker realized their passion for coffee and established Starbucks Coffee Company. The name, inspired by the novel Moby Dick, evoked the romance of the high seas and the seafaring tradition of the early coffee traders. Their mission was simple, from their first storefront in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, they were going to offer some of the world’s finest, fresh-roasted, whole bean coffees. It was going to celebrate the rich tradition of coffee and to create a feeling of connection in the coffee shop.
Expansion
Siegl, a former history teacher, was the only paid employee in the early days of Starbucks Coffee Company. In 1980, after ten years as Vice President, Siegl exited Starbucks, which by then had expended to six Seattle-area stores and a substantial wholesale business.
Entrepreneur
Following his departure from Starbucks Siegl became a serial entrepreneur, founding Quartermaine Coffee Roasters in Washington DC, Peerless Pie in Seattle, and more recently, BuckleUp. He also started his own consulting company that serves owners of small business enterprises and aspiring entrepreneurs with advice regarding funding new companies’ growth needs, financial forecasting, planing, private equity offerings, and applying for bank loans. From 2004-12 Siegl served as the Lead Advisor of the Small Business Development Center [SBDC] for Southwest King County (Seattle). During those eight years he advised more than 500 entrepreneurs and owners of small business enterprises.
Advisor
Siegl is passionate about his mission to inspire and develop young entrepreneurs. He brings practical insights regarding how to start-up a successful business as he shares stories about his own experiences as co-founder of Starbucks and his numerous other start-up experiences. From setting a vision, identifying mentors and partners, securing funding, setting up operations, product development and launch, Siegl helps aspiring entrepreneurs navigate their way to becoming successful business owners.
Zev Siegl Speaking Topics
Starting Starbucks: How One Company Disrupted an Entire Industry
The start-up story of what is now the world’s largest gourmet coffee company is an amazing one, packed with insights for all companies and entrepreneurs. Co-Founder Zev Siegl reveals in words and photographs the key lessons from Starbucks as a local success in Seattle that became the foundation for the totally disruptive global expansion we know today.
Memorable Branding: The Secrets Behind Starbucks' Start-up
For its first store in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks three founders used highly effective market positioning, perfect customer service and aggressive promotion strategies. Co-Founder Zev Siegl reveals in words and photographs the secrets behind one of the world’s most memorable and easily recognizable brands as he tells the story of Starbucks’ original marketing and how it set the stage for a global success.
A Perfect Blend: Meet Starbucks' Extraordinary First Team
Hiring the right people is no easy task, but it is crucial to sign up top talent to ensure your company’s long-term success. Was the team the started Starbucks special? They were! Learn from Co-Founder Zev Siegl about the six men and women who in 1971 built the Seattle success that eventually conquered the world. Your audience discovers that it pays to have the right partners as well as hiring and retaining the right employees to grow your business.
