Winding me up

I've commented once or twice about the big shake-ups at my Starbucks. Given the length of time I worked there and the real affection I have for the company it's pretty hard for me to read stuff like this becuase I think that pretty much every analyst in that article is wrong wrong wrong and that Howard is making a huge mistake by focusing on stock value. But once I get started you'll end up with a 200 page diatribe complete with foot-notes and charts that won't accomplish anything since none of the analysts will read it, the reporters won't actually learn enough to not print BS and more importantly Howard could care less what I think.

The bottom line is that Starbucks business model is very good, it should be doing very well in an economic downturn (it's a faux-luxury item). But The BUX won't capitilize on this because I don't really believe that it's management (or analysts) has really internalized it true business model or understand the strategic implications of that model. Instead, I expect they will heed analysts calls to make decisions that fit the traditional fast-food business model because, well, it's a simpler model to follow.

It's a bit like watching a close family member with a great job, kids and a beautiful wife through it all away because their friends tell them they should be making more money and playing more golf. You know they have a great life, and you want to stop them from throwing it all away but in the end you know it will end in divorce, cheating and an overpriced Porche.

Mmmmmm Porche.....