Starbucks Manager Alex Ruzicka aspires to have a hand in the design and scheme of Starbucks stores someday.
The daughter of an interior designer, Ruzicka has always been exposed to art. A painter herself, she hopes to someday make art and design her career as well. During her stay in Emporia, Ruzicka plans on attending Emporia State University next spring and getting her degree in business with a minor in arts.
“That’s definitely something I can do,” Ruzicka said of designing stores for Starbucks.
Ruzicka said she likes art for many reasons. She paints mainly abstract paintings.
“Ever since I was little I’ve been interested in art,” she said. “I like the expression of it and seeing what comes out of it in the end. I paint abstract because I don’t start with any forms.”
Originally from Chicago, Ruzicka transferred to the Emporia Starbucks at the end of July to take over the store after working at a Wichita Starbucks. She has worked for the company for about two years.
Since taking over Starbucks here, Ruzicka has formed several new ideas for the store. She wants to eventually have live music at the store. The only catch is the music has to be original because of licensing requirements, Ruzicka said.
Being involved in the community also is important for the store, Ruzicka said. The store even has a budget for community activities and donations.
“That’s how important it is,” she said.
Community involvement not only draws customers to the store, it shows that the store is committed to giving back to the community that supports it. So far, the store has donated money to the Relay for Cancer and took part in the diabetes health fair. There are plans to be involved in the Emporia Main Street Auction also.
“We’re not doing it for advertisement,” Ruzicka said. “We do it because it’s the right thing to do.”
Keeping true to her art roots, Ruzicka plans on displaying kids’ artwork in the store.
“We’re going to put them around in the store so kids can have a place to show their parents (their artwork),” she said. “We also want to bring customers out here.”
Ruzicka’s management techniques are working, she said. Sales at the store have increased, customer satisfaction is up. The store also is getting raving reviews from secret shoppers who come into the store and rate it.
Ruzicka said the store’s success is attributed to leadership.
“We’re all on the same page,” she said. “Everybody knows what’s expected of them. They see a repeat customer’s car come through and they’re already making their drink before they pull up to the window.”
Starbucks is an enjoyable place to work, Ruzicka said.
“All the people that work here, we call them partners,” she said. “If we take care of the partners, they’re going to take care of the customers. It’s not heavy labor, it’s fun.”
Being an employee at Starbucks means getting up early. Ruzicka said she gets up at 4:30 a.m. to come to work.
“This is the only job where I can get up at 4:30 a.m. and have fun,” she said. “It’s something I truly love.”