Dream Big, Save Smart: Starbucks Partners Cash In on Bean Stock

Bean Stock was created in 1991 as a way for Starbucks employees to share in the company’s success through Starbucks stock. When Bean Stock gave our employees the opportunity to own a piece of the company, we became known as partners. Grants are awarded every fall and has awarded more than $2.4 billion in pre-tax gains to over 230,000 partners around the world.

At Starbucks, our partners dreams fuel our Partner Promise: Bridge to a Better Future. Through the Bean Stock program, partners across Canada are achieving life-changing milestones, from owning homes to funding passion projects and reuniting with family. Here are the stories of Sarah, Rebecca, Morgan, and Jean-Philippe, who share how Bean Stock has helped them achieve their goals:

Sarah A., Store Manager, Halifax, NS

“Starbucks helped make my dream of owning a home come true.”

Sarah’s Starbucks journey began in 2005 as a shift supervisor in Dublin, Ireland, and today she’s a store manager in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Over the years, she has held multiple roles and been twice selected for Origin Trips to Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks coffee farm in Costa Rica.

At first, Sarah didn’t fully understand the Bean Stock program. “I didn’t do anything with it for six years,” she recalls. But her first stock sale helped her pay off student loans. Eventually, Bean Stock enabled Sarah and her family to buy their first home, a dream she never thought possible so quickly.

Advice for Partners: “Trust the process. It’s a long-term savings program, but it really pays off. Even starting small can have a big impact.”

Future Aspirations: Sarah continues to use Bean Stock to fund trips to Ireland, ensuring her twin boys can spend time with their grandparents.

Rebecca F., shift supervisor, Orillia, ON

“I used my Bean Stock to have the perfect backyard wedding on the water in Muskoka, Ontario!”

Rebecca joined Starbucks as a barista in 2022 after seeing the fun and excitement in her local store every time she visited. She is now a shift supervisor, proud Coffee Master and volunteers her time to support the Partners for Sustainability Partner Network.

When Rebecca started planning her dream wedding, she knew that the extra touches to make her vision come to life would be possible because of Bean Stock. "When my now husband proposed, I knew I wanted to use Bean Stock to help with our wedding. We were able to pay for our table and chair rentals and all of our decor with my Bean Stock!"

Advice for Partners: “Bean Stock is an incredible opportunity, so ask as many questions as you can when you are shown how it works. Don’t be afraid to ask your manager for more information!”

Future Aspirations: Now that Rebecca and her husband are married, they're looking towards their future together and saving for their first home.

Morgan Z., Store Manager, Ottawa, ON

"With the help of Bean Stock, I didn’t have to choose between going on a trip to support my dad or paying my bills."

Morgan started her Starbucks journey in 2017 after a chance conversation with a store manager inspired her to apply. Over the past five years, she’s grown from barista to store manager, with roles as shift supervisor and assistant manager along the way.

Morgan first heard about Bean Stock early in her career but didn’t have any goals at first. “I didn’t realize how powerful it could be until my manager explained it. I saw it as a way to invest in my future.” Since then, she’s used her Bean Stock to fund meaningful milestones, like supporting her father by travelling with him to a family reunion in Germany —his first time back in 38 years! She was also able to cover unexpected expenses, like emergency veterinary bills for her cat, without financial stress.

Advice for Partners: “Start saving early. Even small contributions can make a big difference over time.”

Future Aspirations: Looking ahead, Morgan plans to save her Bean Stock toward a down payment for a new car, with a goal to pay in cash. She also aspires to continue growing within Starbucks, exploring opportunities in problem-solving, marketing, communications, and photography.

Jean-Philippe B., Store Manager, Sherbrooke, QC

“Starbucks helped me buy my dream car—a convertible!”

Jean-Philippe began his Starbucks journey in 2015 as the first Store Manager in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Over the years, his Bean Stock steadily grew, and in January 2024, he fulfilled a long-standing dream of purchasing a convertible.

“No one believed me when I told them Starbucks paid for my car,” he laughs. But now, his friends and family are amazed at what Starbucks offers. Jean-Philippe credits the program with keeping him loyal to Starbucks, where he continues to grow as a leader.

Advice for Partners: “Be patient! Check your grant periodically and stay focused on your goal.”

Future Aspirations: Jean-Philippe hopes to become a District Manager and mentor other partners in his region.

To this day, Bean Stock remains a unique benefit – one that both rewards and recognizes the contributions of our partners. As these inspiring journeys show, when people are supported and valued, anything is possible.