Starbucks managers and directors visit Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Photo By Staff Sgt. James Bunn | Michele Caputo, Starbucks district manager, sits behind a Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher during a leadership conference at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Oct. 16. Soldiers from the 7th Infantry Division, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division and 17th Field Artillery Brigade showed Starbucks' regional and district managers from across the U.S. the invaluable skills transitioning Soldiers have learned while on active duty. Starbucks has developed a hiring platform geared for veterans and active duty spouses, and plans to hire approximately 10,000 over the next five years. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. James J. Bunn)  

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, UNITED STATES

10.16.2014

Story by 1st Sgt. Jason Shepherd 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - In 2013, Starbucks Coffee Company made a commitment to hire 10,000 veterans over the next five years. In the latest effort to make this goal a reality, 93 Starbucks district managers and regional directors from across the United States visited I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord Oct. 16, in an effort to gain a better understanding of the unique skills service members possess.

According to Cliff Burrows, president, U.S., Americas and Teavana, the overall goal of the visit was to give Starbucks Coffee Company managers and directors an increased awareness and understanding of Soldiers and a better appreciation for their mission. As a result, Burrows says he hopes they will actively work to recruit and hire military veterans and spouses.

“This is an opportunity for us to see firsthand the work that (Soldiers) do on the base and the equipment (they) use every day,” he added. “What’s most special is we get to see the skills of the men and women in the service and learn how this can be applied to civilian life and the world of Starbucks.”

Starbucks Coffee Company and dozens of other companies and businesses across the U.S. have made the pledge to hire transitioning military men and women.

Burrows said it’s a win-win for both the Soldiers looking to start the next chapter of their lives and the companies looking to hire dependable and trained people.

“Imagine trying to support 21,000 (Starbucks) locations in 65 countries,” Burrows said. “Many of the skills (we’re looking for) logistics, planning, deployment all become necessary and these are the skills Soldiers have.”

Burrows added that the majority of Starbucks Coffee Company managers have never had the chance to sit and talk to a Soldier, so this one visit will go a long way in understanding the skills they can bring to a business.

“This is such a great event because these service members represent the communities where the bases are and, for those locations to be successful, you need to know your community,” he said.

Fifteen Soldiers from 7th Infantry Division took the opportunity to meet with the representatives for lunch. They discussed topics including job placement and the benefits of hiring Soldiers.

“We were able to show what Soldiers are capable of at a professional and personal level,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Lawless, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade 2nd Infantry Division. “We also learned more of what employers expect out of veterans and see their professionalism. It was a great tour.”

“I think we learned about how responsive to training (Soldiers) are and the great things they do,” Burrows added. “(Starbucks is) looking for people who are reliable, dependable, have great communication skills, work well in a team environment and want to build a career. It’s not just about making coffee ... it’s about community teamwork and that’s what you get when you hire a veteran.”

• Date Taken: 10.16.2014
• Date Posted: 10.17.2014 15:27
• Story ID: 145372
• Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US