I could write a book about Starbucks with all I have to say about this truly unique business. It is the most phenomenal company I have studied, experienced, and modeled my managerial style after. Howard Schultz, and every barista, manager, shift leader, and person involved in Starbucks has proved that coffee is not only a luxury, but it is daily habit that needs to be maintained, even in this difficult economy.

Starbucks has power. It is not difficult to understand why. When you control or dictate a populations daily intake of a legal, addictive drug, a little ego trip might be in order. What is truly remarkable about this company though, is it’s ability to turn a captive audience into a social group motivated to make a difference. How many times have you walked through the doors of your local Starbucks and seen a sign about Jobs for America, Starbucks (RED), or used a discount for having your own mug or tumbler? Starbucks is using it’s power over people to try and make a difference in the lives of entire communities that it’s customer’s probably never put much thought to.

Now, take the thousands of company owned stores, the employees and the millions of people that come in contact with Starbucks everyday, and add Jesus into the equation. Startling.

Keep in mind, I’m not a ridiculous Bible thumper here, but I do believe that business and faith have a mixture that can work well. I think that Starbucks operates on Biblical principals already. Focus on the guest, honoring commitments and  sticking to core values and ideas, even if they hurt the company temporarily, are things that Scripture supports. Now, take it a step further. Imagine if Starbucks published business literature declaring themselves and their values to honor God. Wow. It would be a public, solid stand that would cause an uproar in the business community but could have such a positive impact around the world.

Being realistic, is Starbucks ever going to publicly declare a purpose to serve the Almighty God? No. But I take it as an encouragement with what I can do with my own talents and time.  Being in the same industry as Starbucks, I can do the same things Starbucks could. Of course with limited resources, maybe not on such a large scale, but the people that  I come in contact with everyday behind the bar should see the fruits of my spiritual labor.

Our morning coffee was classy too.

Tie Tuesday. That was the theme for this past week during my shift at McConn. Awesome? Yes. Why? Because we can.

Over the past year and half that I have worked at McConn, I have noticed how the student body constantly views us as baristas. The more popular opinions include: “you can’t get a job there unless your popular” “jeez, every hipster within a ten mile radius works at McConn” and my personal favorite “oh, they only hire pretty people.” While parts are true (yes, we do like to wear hipster clothing on occasion), the vast majority of it is just pure speculation. It is incredibly entertaining to hear though.

Regardless, we have noticed that when we dress up, mostly like idiots, the student body gets a huge kick out of it. And hey, that is who we are here for. We wouldn’t be anywhere if it wasn’t for the student body here at IWU. So if we can dress up, support team unity, and make fools of our selves to make some other students smile, then we will.

My Tuesday morning shift. These girls are amazing.

Tori's fabulous tie!

* I have also been identified as the paparazzi of McConn now. I can’t help it that I work with good looking people!

Today, I have been told I am a workaholic on three separate occasions. Now, this term could have negative implications, but I personally take it is a strange compliment. To me, I feel as though if someone refers to me or my tendencies as “workaholic” that means I’m doing my job right. It means I am putting forth every ounce of effort to something that is my passion.

Now, I will be the first to raise my hand and say that sometimes I have negative workaholic habits. Sleeping in the office, spending countless hours on work when my academic works needs attention, and neglecting relationships to spend time with my work. These, among others, are things that can be beneficial in moderation. My productivity has been up, I am generating new and innovative ideas that are beyond the undergraduate level, I am thinking like a professional.

I think people consider me a workaholic because I am constantly available. Between the hours of six a.m. and midnight, I am at least within five minutes of my office and the bar. So, if I’m needed, I will be there. If there is a problem, I will be there. If there is a question or concern, I am available to address it. I love this part. I love being there to answer questions, solve a problem, and think on my feet. It is invigorating and exciting because the same problem rarely happens in the same day. I love when baristas come to me with new ideas or opinions. It is the most amazing thing to see them take ownership of their business. Without their minds and dedication, McConn would not be nearly as successful as it is.

This business creates community. I might be beating a dead horse here, but I cannot stress enough about how coffee connects people and provides such diversification. I have met people in the wee hours of a college campus morning that I would have never talked to, just because they are early risers and we commune in a common place; McConn. From my view behind the bar, I see my regulars every morning and keep up with their lives. I wish a good morning to professors in completely separate divisions that I have never had before. It is the little joys like these that make me love my job and it’s industry.

Yes, I may be a workaholic. I understand everything is good in moderation. But I just have to tell you, I have a freaking phenomenal job.

No, this is not a theological question to explore the purpose of our existence here on earth, but a probing inquiry as to why coffee shops exist. Yes, of course, to loyally caffeinate those who gather, but more importantly, what would the social landscape look without the constant influence of daily coffee? Family run or international chain, we have all experienced the coffee atmosphere in both positive and negative ways. Those positive experiences have the ability to change your habits and shape the ways we communicate with people. 

Coffee is not only one of the most traded commodities, but it has the unique power to translate across nations and cultures. A large majority of every population has heard, if not tasted and smelled, the wonderful elixir named coffee. In some countries, it is used as currency. Coffee has the ability to bond people from different worlds together, because of a shared interest or habit.

The experience goes far beyond what is poured into your cup. The interaction starts from the first moment you decide that you are in need of a little push. Your thoughts are influenced by your peers, your environment, your status. Believe it or not, you have about a million different coffee options vying for your attention and choice. Everything from home brewed Maxwell House or Foldgers, to Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, Seattles Best, Dunkin’ Donuts, Joe’s, and every other coffee option from here to Italy. The moment your decision is made, that experience takes another step. You are bonded with that company, shop, or brand for a moment in time. You can either have a positive or negative experience, but that journey will influence the next one you might possible take with the same company.

I am a firm believer that a humble cup of coffee can change the course of someone’s life. That cup could be a reason to meet, the point of a conversation, or just a spontaneous reason to begin a friendship that could leave you forever altered. Personally, coffee is my career. It is what I choose to invest a majority of my time and talent into because I believe that the coffee industry has massive amounts of untapped potential.

Ultimately, coffee is focused on relationships. It is a tool to be used to sustain, maintain, and create new relationships with people. Next time you reach for your mug of coffee or open the door into your local Starbucks, keep in mind, the point of the product is not to wake you from your dull morning haze, but to create an opportunity to invest in someone.