CEO

I wouldn’t even believe this story unless it happened to me…and well, it DID happen to me, so I believe it. Weird. Ok, anyway! This morning I got up at 4:45 am to go and ready the pastry case, clean, etc. our store because the CEO of Starbucks, yes, that’s what I said, STARBUCKS was coming. Not just our area or state, but the entire multi-billion dollar company C E O. His name is Jim Donalson.
They chose our store, out of all the Starbucks in Minneapolis (and for those of you non-locals, there are billions of ‘em) for Jim to do a video in. Now, I’m thinking it’ll be really cool to watch the video taken, see the camera’s, etc, etc. No, no, no. Get THIS.
Jim walks into our store, walks right up behind our counter, puts out his hand and says, “Hi, I’m Jim!” He meets all of us little baristas behind the counter, asks how long we’ve been with the company, and so I responded with my, “almost three years”. Then, he proceeds to congratulate me on becoming a Coffee Master. Needless to say, I was BEAMING. I couldn’t stop beaming. It was thee coolest thing! He just loved people, and it showed. He was so genuine and kind…and I thought…this is the company I am working for- a company that values and loves people.
Now, I continue to do what we do behind the counter, and all of the sudden Jim yells across the store, “Hey Abby!” Ok… (My head shoots up, looking over the Verisimo…err…the espresso machines for all your illiterates) and I say, “Yeah?” and he says, (yes, that’s right, the CEO of Starbucks) “Do you want to be in the video?” uumm…ok…not a second of hesitation here…me: “YES!” and he says, “Well come on!” and motions me over, so I hustle my booty right over there, and the next thing I know, I am learning lines and performing for a major motion picture! Oops…I mean, I did learn lines, and I did perform, but it was for a Starbucks video.
I got to start out by saying, (Oh, and keep in mind I got to wear one of those special mics that clips to your back and everything!) “Hey Partners! I’m Abby from Minneapolis!” Ok, how cool is that line?! We did a couple takes of different ideas…and the last one, Jim wanted me to “ad lib”. YIKES. He asked me questions on camera, and I answered and just spewed out stuff, and it worked! Obviously, it was God…guiding my thoughts, words, etc.
I do have to admit, I was kind of embarrassed, because I just FEEL my friends at work making fun of me. They never said a word, but I know it. The guys are now laughing at me, and calling me, “Hollywood”. (Yes, Chris, that’s right, I’m talking to YOU!) It is a bit hilarious, actually. The video comes out in November, and I get my own copy!
Swznikki, we’re having a party! What a blast! Who would have thought? It was such an honor, and an amazing experience. Chris (yeah, shout out to you again!) and I were chatting at a table, and Jim comes over and just starts asking about our lives, passions, goals, etc. He said that was what he loved most about his job…sitting and talking with US. That’s what I get to do every day…talk to my “partners” (umm…yeah, that would be other people that work at Starbucks…don’t mock) and customers. I get to love God and love people every day…while making the best coffee known to man on this planet!
I’ll be signing autographs at my official signing next month. A picture with me can be requested as well! :) I’m still beaming…
p.s. mother and father...Jim knew Haddon Heights, and Scranton!! He has a house in Jersey, and used to be the CEO for PATHMARK! ha!