Zev Siegl: Founder of Starbucks
Entrepreneur and keynote speaker Zev Siegl, Starbucks co-founder, delivers expert insights on startup strategy, funding, and business growth, helping entrepreneurs build sustainable, scalable companies.
- Highlights:
- Co-founder of Starbucks and early architect of its business model and culture
- Former Vice President, helping scale the company’s initial retail and wholesale growth
- Founder of multiple ventures across food, retail, and consumer products
- Advisor to 500+ entrepreneurs through Small Business Development Center
- Formats:
Keynote Speaker and Entrepreneurial Advisor
- Audiences:
Aspiring entrepreneurs, startup founders, small business owners, and innovation-driven organizations
- Outcomes:
- Gain clarity on how to launch and structure a sustainable business
- Understand funding pathways and financial planning fundamentals
- Learn practical strategies for scaling and navigating early-stage challenges
- Travels from: Seattle, WA
- **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
Keynote Topics
Starting Starbucks: How one company disrupted an entire industry
The start-up story of what is now the world’s largest gourmet coffee company is an amazing one, packed with insights for all companies and entrepreneurs. Co-Founder Zev Siegl reveals in words and photographs the key lessons from Starbucks as a local success in Seattle that became the foundation for the totally disruptive global expansion we know today.
Memorable Branding: The Secrets Behind Starbucks' Start-up
For its first store in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks three founders used highly effective market positioning, perfect customer service and aggressive promotion strategies. Co-Founder Zev Siegl reveals in words and photographs the secrets behind one of the world’s most memorable and easily recognizable brands as he tells the story of Starbucks’ original marketing and how it set the stage for a global success.
A Perfect Blend: Meet Starbucks' Extraordinary First Team
Hiring the right people is no easy task, but it is crucial to sign up top talent to ensure your company’s long-term success. Was the team the started Starbucks special? They were! Learn from Co-Founder Zev Siegl about the six men and women who in 1971 built the Seattle success that eventually conquered the world. Your audience discovers that it pays to have the right partners as well as hiring and retaining the right employees to grow your business.
Talent Short Bio
Zev Siegl is best known as a co-founder of Starbucks, one of the world’s most influential consumer brands. In 1971, alongside Jerry Baldwin and Gordon Bowker, he helped launch the company from a single storefront in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, rooted in a mission to provide exceptional coffee and meaningful customer connection.
As Starbucks’ first paid employee and later Vice President, Siegl played a critical role in shaping the company’s early operations, culture, and growth strategy. By the time he departed in 1980, Starbucks had expanded to multiple retail locations and a successful wholesale business.
Following Starbucks, Siegl built a diverse entrepreneurial portfolio, founding ventures such as Quartermaine Coffee Roasters, Peerless Pie, and BuckleUp. He later established a consulting practice focused on guiding small business owners through funding strategy, financial forecasting, business planning, and capital acquisition.
Read Full Bio
Zev Siegl is best known as the co-founder of Starbucks Coffee Company—one of the most recognized and influential brands in the world.
In 1971, alongside Jerry Baldwin and Gordon Bowker, Siegl transformed a shared passion for exceptional coffee into a pioneering business. From a single storefront in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, their vision was clear: to offer the finest fresh-roasted, whole bean coffees while creating a meaningful sense of connection through the coffee experience. Inspired by Moby Dick, the name “Starbucks” reflected the romance and tradition of early coffee traders.
As a former history teacher and the company’s first paid employee, Zev Siegl played a foundational role in shaping Starbucks’ early culture and operations. After serving as Vice President for a decade, he departed in 1980, by which time the company had grown to six retail locations and a thriving wholesale business.
Following his success with Starbucks, Siegl became a serial entrepreneur, founding ventures including Quartermaine Coffee Roasters in Washington, DC, Peerless Pie in Seattle, and BuckleUp. He also established a consulting practice dedicated to supporting small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. His expertise spans funding strategy, financial forecasting, business planning, private equity, and lending preparation.
From 2004 to 2012, Zev Siegl served as Lead Advisor for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Southwest King County, where he mentored more than 500 entrepreneurs—helping them turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
Today, Zev Siegl is passionate about inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through his keynote presentations, he shares practical, real-world insights drawn from his journey—from launching startups and building strong partnerships to securing funding and bringing products to market. His approach empowers audiences to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence and clarity.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on LinkedIn
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (24)
- (3)
Jim O Neill is a distinguished economist and former Commercial Secretary to the UK Treasury, recognized globally for his significant contributions to economic research and policy. Serving in the UK Treasury from 2015 to 2016, O’Neill played a pivotal role in shaping economic strategy during a critical period for the UK. His deep understanding of […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Finance Speakers
- (12)
- (6)
Rob Lawless is not your typical keynote speaker. His remarkable mission to meet 10,000 different people for an hour each has reshaped his life and inspired thousands globally. With a unique approach to human connection and personal growth, Rob combines his journey with motivational speaking to offer audiences a fresh perspective on resilience, empathy, and […]
- Travels from: Philadelphia, PA
- Motivational Speakers
- (29)
- Featured
Ben Nemtin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? and The Bucket List Journal. He was ranked the #2 Motivational Speaker in the world by Global Gurus and starred in the hit TV show The Buried Life. Over half of Fortune 100 companies have […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (30)
- (3)
Mark Black is a renowned resilience expert whose life story is a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and the human spirit. Born with a life-threatening heart defect, Mark faced insurmountable odds from the very beginning. He underwent two open-heart surgeries before his first birthday, setting the stage for a life marked by extraordinary […]
- Travels from: Dieppe, New Brunswick
- Motivational Speakers
- (11)
Noelle Russell is one of the most recognized voices on the future of artificial intelligence and responsible innovation. A multi-award-winning TEDx presenter and best-selling author, she has become a go-to resource for organizations seeking to harness AI’s power to drive growth while managing risk. Named the #1 Agentic AI Leader in 2025, she has taught […]
- Travels from: Miami, FL
- Artificial Intelligence
- (12)
Lee Rubin is a dynamic keynote speaker, author, and team-building expert who leverages his unique background as a former captain of the Penn State Football Team to inspire and educate organizations on building high-performance teams. With over two decades of experience in leadership development and team dynamics, Lee has become a sought-after speaker for conferences, corporate […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Peak Performance
- (18)
Dr. Scott Parazynski is a highly decorated physician, astronaut, best-selling author (“The Sky Below”) and tech CEO. He is a widely sought after keynote speaker on innovation, risk management, mentorship and leadership under extreme adversity. Scott has lived and traveled all over the world, spending many of his grade school years in places such as […]
- Travels from: Houston, TX
- Leadership Speakers
- (20)
Theron Schaub is not just a magician; he is a master of creating unforgettable experiences that leave audiences both astonished and inspired. With a career spanning over two decades, Theron has honed his craft to become one of the most sought-after magicians and mind readers in the world. His performances blend the art of illusion […]
- Travels from: San Jose, CA
- Magicians
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
