On The Road – My store team understand my difficulties

For over 10 years Starbucks France has been working with a charity organisation called “AVEC talents” who match young adults with learning difficulties with workplace opportunities, and it was through this partnership that Maxence joined Starbucks.

“I have great contact with the customers,” explains Maxence, a six-year Starbucks partner who works at the Starbucks Disneyland Paris store. It’s this friendly and welcoming approach towards customers that has seen Maxence named Barista of the Quarter for the second time under the guidance of store manager Michael.

Maxence is 28 and has learning difficulties that affect his organisational skills and ability to concentrate however his attention to detail and warmth means he is always able to deliver a first-class customer experience for all those who visit the store.

“Starbucks is a great place, I really like my team and the store I work in. With my partners I can talk about sport and politics and they understand my difficulties. The team are great!” adds Maxence.

Before working at Starbucks, Maxence was studying at secondary school. Now the ongoing support that he receives through “AVEC talents” means he loves coming to work each day and learning new skills. “I am proud that thanks to “AVEC talents” you have found this partnership for me,” Maxence said.

Emmanuelle Touzard, Head of Corporate and Communication Relations, “AVEC talents”, said: “We have seen a wonderful change in Maxence since he started working at Starbucks. He is much more confident and continues to develop at work and in his personal life too. The partnership we have with Starbucks is brilliant and we have now seen over 15 young people offered job opportunities.”

Michael Doucet, store manager, said: “Maxence adds a wonderful sense of spirit to our team. We have many families visiting our store and Maxence makes each experience a positive one that they will remember. We love having him as part of our team!”