Gordon Bowker

Gordon Bowker
Born	United States
Occupation	Businessman
Known for	Co-founder of Starbucks

Gordon Bowker is an American business figure recognized as a co-founder of Starbucks, alongside Jerry Baldwin and Zev Siegl. Subsequently, he became a part-owner of both Peet's Coffee & Tea and Redhook Ale Brewery.

Biography

Following the loss of his father during World War II, Bowker was brought up by his mother in the areas of Ballard and Burien, Washington. His grandparents, who were immigrants, participated in the Alaskan Gold Rush. He completed his secondary education at O'Dea High School in Seattle. Between 1960 and 1965, Bowker studied at the University of San Francisco, where he shared a dorm room with Baldwin; however, he left the university just eight credits shy of graduation.

In 1968, Bowker crafted scripts for educational films at King Broadcasting and contributed articles to Seattle magazine. During this period, he encountered Terry Heckler and together they established the advertising firm Heckler Bowker. Additionally, he backed David Brewster’s initiative to start Seattle Weekly and authored hospitality critiques under the pseudonym Lars Henry Ringseth.

The first Starbucks store was launched in 1971 near Pike Place Market by Bowker, Baldwin, and Siegl. In 1984, Starbucks acquired Peet's Coffee & Tea. Three years later, in 1987, Bowker and Baldwin sold Starbucks to Howard Schultz along with other investors. Bowker also held a position on Peet's board from 1994 through 2008.