The challenge of the retail business is the human condition.

In this ever-changing society, the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart.

I can't imagine a day without coffee. I can't imagine!

Every step of the way, I made a point to underpromise and overdeliver. In the long run, that's the only way to ensure security in any job.

My biggest concern is that America is drifting towards mediocrity and that people don't recognize - and by people I'm meaning Washington - don't recognize the sense of urgency and the fact that I don't think this is a crisis anymore. I think it's an emergency.

I think Starbucks created a platform and, ultimately, a runway for many other companies to emulate. I suspect if we had not achieved what we have, there would have been many regional brands that would have succeeded. But I'm not sure there would have been a national brand of the scope of Starbucks.

If you want to achieve widespread impact and lasting value, be bold.