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
- (18)
Michael Tchong unique approach to decoding the future has positioned him as a preeminent trend-spotter and an influential figure in the realms of technology and entrepreneurship. With a distinct passion for staying ahead of emerging waves, Michael has established four successful startups, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective industries. His unwavering advocacy for […]
- Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
- Artificial Intelligence
- (40)
Angelica Malin Speaker is a dynamic and versatile professional emcee, author, awards host, and keynote speaker who bridges the bustling cities of New York and London. Known for her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, Angelica transforms live events into unforgettable experiences, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Her charisma and professionalism have made her […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Event Emcee
- (13)
Sara Blakely is the Founder and Executive Chairwoman of SPANX. She revolutionized the undergarment industry with just $5,000 and a “lucky” red backpack and turned it into a global brand known for inventing smarter, more comfortable solutions. Sara was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the world and was featured on […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Innovation Speakers
- (34)
Steve Gleason received an ALS diagnosis in 2011. He was determined to thrive after the terminal neuromuscular disease diagnosis. He spends his life encouraging others to life with purpose. He and Michel, his wife, formed Team Gleason, with the mission of bringing ALS to the forefront and inspiring others to overcome the challenges of the […]
- Travels from: New Orleans, LA
- Inspirational Speakers
- (81)
Dario Amodei is one of the most respected voices in artificial intelligence research and development, known for his groundbreaking work in aligning AI with human values and safety. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Anthropic, a public benefit corporation, Dario leads a mission-driven team focused on developing steerable, interpretable, and safe AI systems—pushing the boundaries […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (15)
After 20 years in the personal and professional development space, Kevin L McCrudden is better known as “Mr. Motivation and America’s CMO – Chief Motivation Officer.” Kevin L McCrudden is an international author, speaker and the only motivational and leadership speaker in American history to ever have a day of recognition passed by The United […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Motivational Speakers
- (40)
Felicia Pizzonia is a dynamic entrepreneur, best-selling author, and sought-after speaker renowned for her expertise in mind conditioning and sales training. As a partner at Ultimate Publishing House (UPH), she has dedicated over two decades to helping individuals harness the power of publishing to enhance their personal branding and professional credibility. With a passion for […]
- Travels from: Boca Raton, FL
- Sales Speakers
- (94)
A powerhouse of positivity, resilience, and personal development, Lisa Nichols has carved a niche for herself as a transformative force, captivating audiences worldwide with her dynamic presence and life-changing messages. Lisa’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of the human spirit. Born in Los Angeles, she faced numerous challenges in her early life, […]
- Travels from: Carlsbad, CA
- Motivational Speakers
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.
