It's ironic that retailers and restaurants live or die on customer service, yet their employees have some of the lowest pay and worst benefits of any industry. That's one reason so many retail experiences are mediocre for the public.

Beverages have to be created. And they're created by looking at what trend is in, say, the fashion industry - what color's hot right now.

I realize that idealism is out of sync with the cynicism of our age. Skepticism has come to be synonymous with sophistication, and glibness is mistaken for intelligence. In such an atmosphere, why bother aiming high? Far too many people don't. I just want to reassure people to have the courage to persevere, to keep following their hearts even when others scoff. Don't be beaten down by naysayers. Don't let the odds scare you from even trying.

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

While their service is ending, our responsibility is just beginning!

I honestly never dreamed at the time that I would one day own the Starbucks and or be in a position where we would have more than 10,000 stores around the world. It has just been an incredible journey for all of us.

It's one thing to dream, but when the moment is right, you've got to be willing to leave what's familiar and go out to find your own sound.