August 4, 2013
Dear Mr. Howard Schultz,
Today is my 10 year anniversary with Starbucks. Looking back it seems so unlikely that I would have decided this path. But I would like to tell you that God led me here. God kept me here. God has sustained me here.
Because of the impeccable timing of it all, I have the opportunity to take my Coffee Break and use it to go on an 11 month mission's trip and still come back to the place that is allowing me to go.
I've been in the habit of writing dozens of thank you letters this year to share my gratitude for those supporting me. But I haven't sent you one yet.
I've 'met' you twice now. You came to my store 8 years ago when I was a shift supervisor in Michigan. You signed my apron and you shook my hand. Thank you.
Last October at the Leadership Conference in Houston, I stepped off a bus and practically walked right into you. I was caught off guard, threw up my hands in the air and shouted in your face, "OH MY WORD!" You smiled, waved and laughed. I was surprised at my reaction to you. If I was in line to shake your hand, I'd never act like that. In fact, you'd be lucky to hear me say more than 2 words. Thank you for laughing.
But I'd like to thank you in a more deep way than just how you signed my apron or laughed at me.
You see, I'm not the same person I was 10 years ago. I recognize it and my family does as well. I was a very fearful person who lacked direction. I can honestly say, none of those describe me very well today. I am compelled to thank Starbucks, so I'd like to give that thanks to you because you made that beginning for me like Starbucks has done for many starting back in 1971.
I'm in the business of learning how to love people more. It's been the passion of my heart for years. Thank you for being the way I can do that every day. We say it's all about human connection and that has been very meaningful to me. So many people think it's not a very important job – making coffee. I truly disagree. I have come to realize how valuable all these thousands of little moments of loving people can be. It's huge. It's life changing. And you know, I've actually seen the truth in it.
So how can I truly express my gratitude to you? I don't imagine I can, but while I'm backpacking across the world sharing hope and love and learning to live simple and out of my own need and dependence on God, I will be praying that God would indeed pour out blessing and wisdom over your life and your family.
I plan to proudly sew my siren patch on my backpack to remind me how Starbucks helped to transform my life. I look forward to coming home and continuing my journey with Starbucks since it already has my heart.
Cheers,
Jennifer McHutchion
Here was the first time I met you 8 years ago. I still have the apron you signed for me that day.
Here you took a photo with us at the ball park in Houston with our district. Look how you are glowing! I couldn't resist asking if we could borrow your full-size cut out. Thanks for letting me.
To learn more about Starbucks and their mission statement, Click Here!
