If you haven't already read or at least heard about the memoir/testimony of Michael Gates Gill entitled How Starbucks Saved My Life, buy a copy—you will find it a quick and inspiring read. (If you want to wait for the movie, it is slated to come out in 2008 staring Tom Hanks).
Mr. Gill (or "Mike" as he is affectionately known at the Broadway Starbucks) was born into a life of privilege. After graduating from Yale, he works his way up to becoming the Creative Director at J. Walter Thompson, at the time the biggest ad agency in the country. Throughout the book, he reflects on his encouters with the rich and famous including Hemmingway, Jackie Kennedy and Old Blue Eyes.
But, one day, it all comes crashing down. Fired from his job due to his age, Mr. Gill sets out to redeem himself as a consultant, which goes nowhere. After an affair, he loses his family. Down to his last dollars, he finds himself sitting in a Starbucks during a recruiting drive. He ends up applying for and accepting a job (a bathroom cleaning/cofee making type job) from the manager, a 30-something african american female named "Crystal".
Long story short, Starbucks turns out to be the best job of his life. It is a story of redemption and regret. His past sins have surely found him out and he is reaping what he has sown. But, at age 64, he sets out on a path of repairing and redeeming, learning what it means to treat others with respect, to embrace the future, and how joy can be found in serving others.
Also, you will want to read this review about Starbucks' relationship (or lack thereof) with the book.
