Howard Schultz needed to raise $1.25 million. Rejected by 217 potential investors, he raised $600,000 so far. His former partners at Starbucks had invested $150,000 of that. Then, he raised $900,000 in June 1986. Obsessed with the Italian espresso bar experience, he left Starbucks. In 1986, he started Il Giornale. By August of that year, he signed the lease for a second location. For his business plan to pay off, he needed to launch eight espresso bars. Without capital, his plan wasn’t going ...

Instead of charming them, he spooked them. Jerry, Gordon, and Steve feared that Howard would be disruptive. They decided not to hire him. Their rejection devastated Howard. It was a turning point in his life. His heart was set on joining Starbucks. Howard refused to take no for an answer.Last week on Methods of Prosperity. In 1961, Howard Schultz was seven years old. His father lost his job. Howard’s pregnant mother couldn’t work. Without income or savings, the family had to borrow money to m...

In 1961, Howard Shultz was seven years old. His father lost his job. Howard’s pregnant mother couldn’t work. Without income or savings, the family had to borrow money to make ends meet. Howard grew up in Brooklyn’s Bayview Projects. He pursued various jobs from a young age. After high school, he attended Northern Michigan University on a football scholarship.Upon graduation in 1975, he worked at Xerox. There he excelled at selling word processors...