Seattle is home to the original Starbucks [and the most per capita in the U.S. (shocker)] . As the story goes, Howard Schultz, former CEO, traveled to Italy to learn first hand about coffee shops. Using this experience, the Starbucks coffeehouse concept was born. Schultz’s experience was a perfect example of inspiration drawn from traveling-- something I hope to do through my trips. One of my favorite parts about Starbucks, however, is their sense of corporate social responsibility. From baristas to coffee suppliers, Starbucks ensures that it remains a socially and economically responsible business. All employees are given comprehensive healthcare plans, and through a partnership with Arizona State University, employees can even obtain a two-year degree paid for by Starbucks. Through the Hiring Heroes campaign, Starbucks hires veterans and their wives with a goal of hiring 25,000 by 2025. For such a large company, Starbucks knows how to do the right thing. It’s coffee might be a tad overpriced [understatement], but Starbucks is making the world a better place and I’m willing to pay a little extra for that.