Jerry Baldwin

Jerry Baldwin is the founder of Starbucks, a renowned coffee company. He began his journey in the coffee trade by learning from Alfred Peet, who inspired the creation of Starbucks. Initially purchasing roasted coffee beans from Peet's Coffee And Tea, Baldwin later led a group of investors to buy Peet's in 1984. In 1987, he sold his interests in Starbucks. Baldwin's contributions to the coffee industry extend beyond Starbucks, as he has been involved in various coffee-related organizations and received honors for his achievements. After his successful ventures, Baldwin, along with his wife, established J. Baldwin Wines. His entrepreneurial endeavors have resulted in significant financial success.

Jerry Baldwin, the founder of Starbucks, was born to Rowland Baldwin and Patricia Brodeur Baldwin. His early life was marked by challenges as his parents divorced, leading him to attend three different high schools before enrolling at the University of San Francisco.

Baldwin's journey into the world of coffee began when he learned the trade from Alfred Peet, the founder of Peet's Coffee And Tea, which served as the inspiration for Starbucks. During Starbucks' initial year of operation, they purchased roasted coffee beans from Peet's, and Baldwin considered Peet to be a very generous mentor. In 1984, when Peet's was put up for sale, Baldwin took the lead in assembling a group of investors, including Howard Bowker, to purchase the company. Subsequently, he sold his interests in Starbucks in 1987.

Throughout his career, Baldwin played an influential role in various coffee-related organizations. He served as the director and founding chairman of the Technical Standards Committee of the Specialty Coffee Association of America, president of Association Scientifique International du Cafe (ASIC), and chairman of the Coffee Quality Institute. In recognition of his contributions to the coffee industry, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Specialty Coffee Association of America. Additionally, he was involved with TechnoServe, a non-governmental organization working in Latin America and Africa.

In 2000, Baldwin and his wife, photographer Jane Baldwin, established J. Baldwin Wines, a company specializing in growing and producing zinfandel and petite sirah wines in Sonoma Valley, California.

Over the years, Baldwin's success in business contributed to his estimated net worth of $2.4 billion in 2018.

Jerry Baldwin's vision for Starbucks was centered around creating a unique and inviting coffee experience for customers. When he founded Starbucks in 1971, along with his partners Gordon Bowker and Zev Siegl, the coffee culture in the United States was quite limited, and specialty coffee was not as widespread as it is today. Baldwin aimed to change that by introducing high-quality, freshly roasted coffee to the American market.

Inspired by his mentor Alfred Peet, who emphasized the importance of sourcing the best coffee beans and roasting them with care, Baldwin sought to bring the same level of craftsmanship and passion to Starbucks. He envisioned a coffee company that not only served delicious coffee but also educated customers about the nuances of coffee flavors and brewing methods. This emphasis on education and appreciation for coffee set Starbucks apart from the typical coffee chains of the time.