Business leaders cannot be bystanders.

Starbucks being an extension of peoples home and work. The sense of community, human connection. That appears to be as relevant in Turkey, China, Japan and Spain as it is here in America. And Starbucks I think is creating something for people all over the world that has not existed before.

We are witnessing a seismic change in consumer behavior. That change is being brought about by technology and the access people have to information.

When you start a company, it's a singular focus. You have the wind at your back.

I'm optimistic about the country; I'm optimistic about the American people.

Starbucks has stores in America in many, many communities that are governed by many, many different municipalities. Starbucks cannot dictate to a municipality in Cincinnati or Kansas City or Sacramento how or why or when there should be a recycling program.

If Vancouver did not succeed as Starbucks from '87 on, our entire international business, which is now thousands of stores and a significant amount of growth and profit, may not have existed.