Becker Business with Scott Becker

Episode: Starbucks, Amazon, Apple, & Epic (1-28-26)
Date: January 28, 2026

Episode Overview

In this concise market insights episode, host Scott Becker delivers a rapid-fire analysis of four major companies: Starbucks, Amazon, Apple, and Epic. The episode explores recent performance updates, strategic shifts, and draws leadership and business lessons from each. Notably, Becker ties together Apple and Epic as prime examples of organizations focused on constant improvement.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Starbucks: Resurgence Through Customer Experience

[00:33 – 02:03]

• Starbucks has delivered its best quarter in a long time, with sales and stock up 17% year to date.
• Becker attributes much of this improvement to CEO Brian Niccol (notable previous roles at Chipotle), highlighting his impact on customer experience.
  • Personal anecdote: Becker frequently visits Starbucks and observes friendly service, free samples, and positive staff culture.
  • Broader implication: The culture and employee attitude witnessed may be representative of a company-wide shift.
• Leadership Lesson: Improved customer experience and positivity at Starbucks serve as an example for leaders in any business.

Notable Quote:

“The improvement in service, of positivity, of how they treat people seems to be through the roof. It's a lesson for all of us in business and leadership.” — Scott Becker [01:30]

2. Amazon: Streamlining For Efficiency

[02:04 – 03:25]

• Amazon has recently announced layoffs of 16,000 employees, after an earlier round of 14,000.
  • The strategy: Enhance margins and profitability, particularly as online retail remains a challenging, low-margin business.
  • Major closures include Amazon Fresh and Go stores, refocusing on Whole Foods and more profitable segments.
• Market Reaction: Stock is up about 7% year to date; cost-cutting measures generally favored by shareholders.
• Societal Commentary: Becker points out the dichotomy between what is good for corporate profitability and what negatively impacts employees.

Notable Quote:

“What could be good for the Fortune 500 company may be very bad for the employee who is trying to make a living and get by.” — Scott Becker [03:08]

3. Apple & Epic: The Power of Constant Improvement

[03:26 – 05:08]

• Apple:
  • Down 7% year to date, yet Becker sees its hallmark not in earnings but in relentless innovation.
  • Regular updates to the iOS system: Sometimes loved, sometimes not, yet always striving for better.
• Epic:
  • The largest electronic health records (EHR) provider, helmed by founder Judith Faulkner.
  • Epic thrives on starting with a viable product and continually refining it until their modules are industry bests.
• Common Theme: Both companies exemplify a culture of relentless, incremental improvement as the key to sustained success.
  • Apple is currently among the world’s largest companies by market capitalization.
  • Epic remains a dominant, driven force in health IT.
• Quick Stat: Amazon is the second largest U.S. employer and company by revenues, behind Walmart.

Notable Quote:

“Apple and Epic… have in common this incredible ability to… constantly be improving.”
“That itself is inspiring and keeps [Apple] a great company.” — Scott Becker [04:04, 04:30]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Starbucks Analysis: 00:33 – 02:03
• Amazon Cost-Cutting and Discussion: 02:04 – 03:25
• Apple & Epic on Improvement: 03:26 – 05:08

Memorable Moments

• Leadership Takeaway from Starbucks:
  “It’s a lesson for all of us in business and leadership.” [01:30]

• Workforce vs. Wall Street:
  “What could be good for the Fortune 500 company may be very bad for the employee…” [03:08]

• Constant Improvement as a Core Value:
  “That itself is inspiring and keeps it a great company again.” [04:30]

Episode Closing and Listener Call-to-Action

• Becker invites feedback on episode format preferences (single company vs. multi-company roundup), offering an Amazon gift card incentive for listeners who text him.
• Contact: Scott Becker – 773-766-5322

Summary

Scott Becker delivers a brisk, insightful overview of recent business developments at four powerhouse companies, using their current trajectories to illustrate broader principles of leadership, profitability, and innovation. The core message: Whether it’s Starbucks’ renewed service culture, Amazon’s tough trade-offs, or the constant improvement engines driving Apple and Epic, each offers valuable lessons for leaders and entrepreneurs alike.