Ben & Jerry's Founder's quotes to Purdue U. on ethics and ice cream

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder talks ethics, ice cream...

“We grew up in the ’60s, and to us, business had all these negative connotations that we didn’t want to be a part of,” Greenfield said. “We felt that our company was becoming just another cog in the economic machine, and decided to get out.” 

Instead, a friend persuaded them to use Ben & Jerry’s as a business model that was supportive of society. They raised capital by holding an in-state public stock offering, selling shares to one out of every 100 families in Vermont. “As the business prospered, the community — as owners — also prospered,” Greenfield said.

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“If we wanted to benefit the community as much as possible, we felt that we should give away as much money as possible,” Greenfield said.

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“There is a spiritual aspect to business, just as there is to the lives of individuals,” Greenfield said. “As you give, you receive. As you help others, you are helped in return. Just because the idea that the good you do is written in the Bible and not in a business textbook doesn’t make it any less valid.”

reference: Purdue U.