Jerry Baldwin

Gerald Baldwin
Born	United States
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, vintner
Known for	Co-founder of Starbucks, co-founder of J. Baldwin Wines
Notable work	Starbucks, Peet's Coffee & Tea, J. Baldwin Wines

Gerald Baldwin is an American entrepreneur recognized as one of the original founders of Starbucks, which was launched in Seattle in 1971 together with Gordon Bowker and Zev Siegl. Additionally, he is a vintner based in Sonoma Valley and co-established J. Baldwin Wines.

Career

The son of Rowland Baldwin, a milk delivery worker, and Patricia Brodeur Baldwin, who was employed in data processing for both the federal government and IBM, Baldwin faced a challenging youth before enrolling at the University of San Francisco. He acquired his knowledge of the coffee industry under the guidance of Alfred Peet, the creator of Peet's Coffee & Tea, whose business served as an inspiration for Starbucks. In its inaugural year, Starbucks procured roasted coffee beans from Peet's. Baldwin referred to Peet as an exceptionally "generous" mentor. In 1984, he organized a group of investors, including Bowker, to acquire Peet's when it became available for purchase. Baldwin divested his Starbucks shares in 1987 to Howard Schultz and other parties. He held the position of chairman at Peet's until its initial public offering in 2001, after which he continued as a board member.

Throughout his career, Baldwin has occupied significant leadership positions such as the founding chairman of the Technical Standards Committee for the Specialty Coffee Association of America, president of the Association Scientifique Internationale pour le Café (ASIC), and chairman of the Coffee Quality Institute. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Specialty Coffee Association of America and currently serves on the board of TechnoServe, a non-governmental organization operating in Latin America and Africa.

In 2000, together with his spouse Jane Baldwin, a professional photographer, he launched J. Baldwin Wines, specializing in zinfandel and petite sirah varietals cultivated in California’s Sonoma Valley.