John Boudreau
Professor Emeritus, USC Marshall School of Business | Senior Research Scientist, Center for Effective Organizations | Author: Work Without Jobs & Reinventing Jobs
Zev Siegl
Co-Founder of Starbucks | Serial Entrepreneur | Startup Mentor & Business Consultant | Keynote Speaker
Zev Siegl co-founded Starbucks Coffee Company in 1971 and led its operations through the brand's formative first decade. A serial entrepreneur who has built six startups and mentored over 500 small businesses, he brings firsthand insight into branding, opportunity recognition, and scaling from zero. Audiences gain actionable lessons from the man behind one of the most iconic startup stories ever told.
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Zev Siegl biography
Entrepreneurship speaker Zev Siegl is best known as one of the three co-founders of Starbucks Coffee Company, the brand that redefined how the world drinks coffee. Together with Gordon Bowker and Jerry Baldwin, Siegl opened the first Starbucks location in Seattle’s Pike Place Market in 1971 — a single shop that sold freshly roasted coffee beans. As the company’s only paid employee and operational leader during its formative decade, speaker Zev Siegl helped build the foundation for what would become a global phenomenon with tens of thousands of locations worldwide.
The Starbucks origin story begins with an unremarkable cup of espresso. Siegl and his two friends, frustrated by the poor quality of coffee available in Seattle, decided to bring something better to their city. That entrepreneurial instinct — spotting opportunity in everyday dissatisfaction — became the driving force behind a brand now recognized on every continent. Siegl remained with Starbucks through its initial expansion across the Seattle area before departing in 1980, well before Howard Schultz transformed it into a coffeehouse empire.
From Starbucks to Serial Entrepreneurship
After leaving Starbucks, Siegl channeled his entrepreneurial energy into building several new companies, initially within the specialty coffee industry — bringing premium coffee to Washington, D.C. and high-end grinders to supermarkets. He later expanded his focus, developing six startups from the ground up and serving as Lead Advisor at the Small Business Development Centre for Southwest King County, where he personally mentored over 500 small businesses. Today, through his consultancy at zevsiegl.com, he advises aspiring entrepreneurs on financing, forecasting, and mergers and acquisitions.
As a speaker, Zev Siegl delivers engaging keynotes that transport audiences inside the founding story of one of the most iconic brands in history. His presentations blend vivid behind-the-scenes anecdotes with practical lessons on branding, team building, and seizing market opportunities — insights that resonate with executives, entrepreneurs, and students alike.
Zev Siegl Speaking Videos
Zev Siegl - Co-founder of Starbucks speaking for IBM about Entrepreneurship
Interview with Starbucks Co-Founder: Zev Siegl keynote speaker talks Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Zev Siegl Keynote Topics
The world's largest specialty coffee company began with three friends, a bad espresso, and an idea. Co-Founder Zev Siegl takes audiences behind the scenes of Starbucks' founding in 1971, revealing the key decisions, risks, and market insights that turned a single Seattle shop into a global brand. Through vivid storytelling and original photographs, he distills timeless principles of entrepreneurial vision, customer obsession, and relentless execution that apply to any industry or company size.
Long before Starbucks became a household name, its founders made bold decisions about positioning, customer experience, and visual identity that would define the brand for decades. Zev Siegl reveals the marketing and branding strategies behind the original store — from the iconic logo to the in-store experience — and explains why these early choices created the foundation for worldwide recognition. This keynote is ideal for leaders seeking to build or revitalize a brand that resonates deeply with customers.
Behind every great company is a team that believed in the vision. Zev Siegl shares the stories of the six original team members who turned Starbucks from a local Seattle success into a company poised for global expansion. Audiences learn what to look for in co-founders, first hires, and key partners — and why getting the people equation right is the single most important factor in a startup's long-term success. Practical insights on hiring, retaining talent, and building collaborative cultures make this program valuable for leaders at every stage.
With six startups under his belt and over 500 small businesses advised, Zev Siegl knows what it takes to move from idea to execution to sustainable growth. In this keynote, he shares the frameworks and hard-won lessons that separate successful entrepreneurs from those who stall — covering financing, forecasting, market validation, and knowing when to pivot. Audiences walk away with a practical roadmap for building a business that lasts, drawn from one of the most experienced entrepreneurial mentors in the world.
Speaker topics
FAQs on Booking Zev Siegl
Why Zev Siegl?
Zev Siegl offers audiences a rare combination: the insider story of founding one of the world's most recognized brands and decades of hands-on experience building and advising startups. As a Starbucks co-founder, he provides authentic, behind-the-scenes insights that no business school case study can replicate. His engaging storytelling style, enriched with original photographs and personal anecdotes, keeps audiences captivated while delivering practical lessons on entrepreneurship, branding, and team building. Book Zev Siegl through Aurum Speakers Bureau for your next event and give your audience direct access to one of the most compelling startup stories in history.
What role did Zev Siegl play at Starbucks?
Zev Siegl was one of three co-founders of Starbucks Coffee Company, alongside Gordon Bowker and Jerry Baldwin. He served as the company's only paid employee during its earliest days and led its operations throughout its first decade, from the opening of the original Pike Place Market store in 1971 through the brand's initial expansion across the Seattle area. Siegl departed the company in 1980, having built the operational and customer experience foundation that positioned Starbucks for its later global expansion.
What topics does Zev Siegl speak about?
Zev Siegl speaks on entrepreneurship, startup strategy, brand building, and the Starbucks founding story. His keynotes cover how to spot and seize market opportunities, build memorable brands from scratch, assemble high-performing founding teams, and scale a business from a single location to a global presence. He draws on his experience as a six-time startup founder and mentor to over 500 small businesses, making his insights relevant for corporate leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and students alike. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to discuss how Zev can customize his presentation for your event.
How to book Zev Siegl as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Zev Siegl as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Zev Siegl's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Zev Siegl or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Zev Siegl speaking fee?
Zev Siegl speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Zev Siegl to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Zev Siegl.
How can I contact Zev Siegl?
We only work with Zev Siegl on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Zev Siegl and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Zev Siegl speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Zev Siegl for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Zev Siegl for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Zev Siegl is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Zev Siegl for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
