"Have you looked into getting it to a publisher?' "Tripio. The book?' I responded. Howard appeared to be not overly concerned with my book sales. 'Oh, yea early on. But I found the process to be too much like looking for a job. Like sending out countless resumes...and crossing your fingers. I have had enough... Continue Reading →
HOWARD BEHAR AND I 'TALK' AT A STARBUCKS "You know the store where Tripio takes place is gone now?" I asked Howard next. I had no idea why. "Oak Park?" He looked back from the street to meet my eyes. 'No. The one on the corner of Diversey, Clark and Broadway. Dickens is stll there,... Continue Reading →
Kevin Knox answers another of my questions Question-In the blogosphere, Starbucks seems to be an easy target to hate on for easy clicks. It tends to bother me. Does it bother you? Or is it deserved? Kevin's Answer-I think most of the criticism is uninformed. Howard Schultz deserves enormous respect on the business side (along... Continue Reading →
H.B ""So are you here for work?" Howard Behar asked me. We had stepped outside to sit down at his table of choice. 'For the week." I responded with my trademark caution. I had not worked for Starbucks since 1994. I did run one of the first Barnes & Noble Starbucks cafes for about a... Continue Reading →
"Well, I can't chicken out now. I can't use an easy excuse. "You must do the things in life you think you cannot do". Eleanor Roosevelt. That quote. That quote stayed with you all the way through Tripio. You had so many chances to quit. Why didn't you? Honestly, because you couldn't. What the hell... Continue Reading →
"The last time I saw Howard was at my store in Oak Park. I was the manager then. He was with the new Regional Manager- Stu. Yes, Stu Fields. God no. I give Stu hell in Tripio. Not really. But, the whole incident with the spilled mocha on the door and Stu talking into his... Continue Reading →
Jay kept his place in line at the Palm Springs Starbucks. He remembered when they used to sell coffee. He remembered all the varietals under the counter. The shiny dark beans, dated and organized by growing region. Such great coffee. For now the line that held Howard Behar and him was not moving very fast.... Continue Reading →
"It is him." Jay thought to himself. 'Damn if it isn't. Howard Behar. My old boss. Should I say something to him?" Jay was in Palm Springs for work on a fluke brought on by the Pandemic. He hadn't been able to travel for work since he became a single parent around eight years ago.... Continue Reading →
I recently caught up with two men who were working for Starbucks before most anyone knew or cared about much about coffee in this country. I wanted to provide a unique look back at the now legendary company through the lens of my historical fiction novel, Tripio. By that I mean, I hope that this... Continue Reading →
The week before Halloween found me on my front porch very early every morning drinking my doppio and journaling. This is the drill before work every day. I am able to use my rejuvenated and rested mind to plan my intentions for the day, and prepare to work on Back outta the World before the... Continue Reading →
