A Short Conversation with Jerry Greenfield, Co-founder of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream

     Tonight I had a chance to have a short conversation with Jerry Greenfield, co-founded of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. He gave a talk about business and business ethics at the University I attend here in Maryland. I attended the talk not knowing what to expect but since I am trying to experience more I thought....why not?
  
     He began his talk by stating that Ben & Jerry's is no longer a private company and is actually now owned by food conglomerate Unilever, which has had its share of criticism involving environmental and ethical issues. He stated that the company was a public company at the time of the sale and he and Ben had to accept the decision of the share holders. So it goes.
  
     Now, this is how he began his talk! He sounded so sad about the sale that I got a little bummed out and honestly thought about bolting for the door but decided to stick it out. He went into a brief history of how Ben and Jerry's was founded, the trouble with establishing their product, and how hard it was to sell ice cream in Vermont of all places. They both decided that Ben's name should be first because Ben and Jerry's rolled off the tongue better than Jerry and Ben's but since Ben's name was first Jerry got to be company President first (they trade that title back and forth whenever they feel like it).

I doubt showing this logo is legal but....meh

     Then, he got into the real reason for his talk. He began to speak about the role of business in society. He mentioned the now 1 year old Supreme Court decision to allow corporations to donate to political parties, candidates, and lobbying groups, the consequences of big business on the environment, and worker's rights, among other things. Ben and Jerry's has always been known for their role in supporting communities and environmental issues. They were one of the first companies to speak out against dairy cows treated with hormones, they use environmentally safe inks to print their cartons, they give job training to at risk youth,  the proceeds for the ice cream flavor Phish Food go to environmental conservation projects, etc. etc. etc.

     Now, pretty much all I know about business comes from the NY Times business section that I have to force myself to get through but his message of ethics extended beyond the field of business and got me to start thinking about our individual roles in the community. What can we do to make our communities better? What can we do to make society as a whole more prosperous?

     After the talk was over everyone got free ice cream (sweet) but as most of the audience had trickled out I decided that I wanted to break out of my shell for just a moment and talk to him. I have always been somewhat of a shy person so it is really hard for me to work up the courage to start a conversation with someone I don't know. Since I am on this personal growth kick I decided to get over my concocted and unnecessary embarrassment over nothing, walk up to him, and just ask one question.

     I walked up to him and introduced myself.  He introduced himself to me (as if I didn't already know) and asked how I was doing. Honestly, I was caught a little off guard by his question so I think I mumbled that I was fine. Ha!

     Anyway, I asked him this, "You spoke of the role of business in all aspects of society (for better or for worse) but what do you think it will take to change the minds of individuals, namely CEO's and business majors who will be venturing out to create companies, to begin thinking of business not only as a way to make money but a way to better the community? Much the same way you have done with Ben and Jerry's".

     Now, this is what I meant to say but I'm sure what came out was a mumbled mess but somehow he was able to decipher my question and responded. Basically he said that he wasn't sure what it would take to change the minds of individuals. It isn't only "one specific thing" but a collection of many things. He then told me that when he and Ben started developing their ice cream business that they wanted to develop a company around "business virtue" or a business plan with a sense of morals. At the time, that sort of thing didn't exist so it was really difficult to find the resources to keep them on that path. But, he said, today it is easier than ever and you are seeing more and more businesses being started by young people that are having a more positive role in the community. It is a fantastic sign of the current times!

So, right there, a reason to be optimistic from Jerry himself!

Ice Cream tastes better when it's FREE