Howard D. Schultz, born 19 July 1953 in Brooklyn, New York, transformed Starbucks from a small Seattle coffee-bean retailer into a global chain of over 40,000 stores across his three tenures as CEO (1986–2000, 2008–2017, 2022–2023).

His Parents

Father: Fred Schultz — truck driver, factory worker, and taxi driver who never made more than $20,000 a year; suffered a broken hip in 1960 with no insurance — an event Howard cites as one of his most formative.

Mother: Elaine Schultz — homemaker.

His Siblings

Ronnie Schultz — Howard's elder sister.

Michael Schultz — Howard's younger brother.

His Wife: Sheri Kersch Schultz

Sheri Kersch Schultz married Howard in 1982; they have built one of the most active US celebrity-family philanthropic operations.

Their Children

Jordan Schultz, born 1986 — son; sports journalist and broadcaster.

Addison Schultz, born 1990 — daughter; involved in family-foundation work.

The Schultz Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Fred Schultz — truck driver / factory worker.

Mother: Elaine Schultz — homemaker.

Siblings: Ronnie Schultz (elder sister); Michael Schultz (younger brother).

Wife: Sheri Kersch Schultz (married 1982).

Children: Jordan Schultz (b. 1986) — sports journalist; Addison Schultz (b. 1990).

Howard Schultz:

  • Born 19 July 1953, Brooklyn (Bayview Houses housing project, Canarsie)
  • Canarsie High School, Brooklyn
  • Northern Michigan University (BS Communications, 1975; full athletic scholarship for football)
  • Xerox sales (1975–1979); Hammarplast Sweden housewares (1979–1982)
  • Joined Starbucks (then 4 stores) in 1982; left 1985
  • Founded Il Giornale coffee bars (1985); acquired Starbucks from founders (1987)
  • CEO of Starbucks, 1986–2000, 2008–2017, April 2022 – March 2023

What the Schultz Family Story Teaches Us

A truck-driver father whose 1960 broken hip without insurance defined his son's later approach to employee benefits at Starbucks. A homemaker mother. Three siblings raised in a Brooklyn housing project. A 40+ year marriage. Two children. A career that built one of the most-recognised consumer brands in the world.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Schultz story carries the same lesson. Sometimes a single childhood event shapes a person's life forever. Howard's father's 1960 accident is on the family record alongside every Starbucks IPO. The defining moments of childhood are real entries on the tree. Write them down.

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