I was born on the other side of the tracks, in public housing in Brooklyn, New York. My dad never made more than $20,000 a year, and I grew up in a family that lost health insurance. So I was scarred at a young age with understanding what it was like to watch my parents lose access to the American dream.

In this quote, Howard Schultz reflects on his humble beginnings and the struggles his family faced growing up in public housing in Brooklyn, New York. He highlights the financial challenges his family faced, with his father earning no more than $20,000 a year. Schultz uses his personal story to emphasize how economic hardship and the loss of health insurance deeply impacted his upbringing and shaped his understanding of the American dream.

Schultz's mention of his family losing access to health insurance is particularly significant, as it represents a critical issue that many low-income families face. Without health insurance, Schultz's family was vulnerable to the high costs of medical care, which could have devastating consequences. This experience left Schultz "scarred" at a young age, as he witnessed the direct effects of losing something as fundamental as access to healthcare, a key part of achieving financial stability and security.

The quote also reflects Schultz’s broader perspective on the American dream, particularly the notion that hard work and perseverance should lead to opportunity and success. For Schultz, losing access to healthcare meant that his family, despite working hard, was unable to fully reach their potential and achieve the American dream. This experience shaped his views on the importance of economic equality and access to resources for everyone, regardless of their background.

Ultimately, Schultz’s words provide insight into how his personal experiences with poverty and healthcare struggles motivated him to later become an advocate for social responsibility in business. His background allowed him to understand firsthand the challenges many people face, and it likely influenced his leadership style, particularly his focus on creating opportunities for those who are underserved.