Co-founder of a beloved ice cream company that combines business with social and environmental activism, creating unique flavors and promoting positive change.
When it comes to delicious, creative, and socially responsible ice cream, one name stands out among the rest: Jerry Greenfield. As the co-founder of Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings, Inc., Greenfield has become synonymous with unique flavors, environmental activism, and a commitment to making a difference in the world, one scoop at a time.
Greenfield's journey to ice cream stardom began in 1963, when he met his future business partner, Ben Cohen, at Merrick Avenue Junior High School on Long Island, New York. The two remained friends throughout high school, attending Calhoun High School together, before heading off to college.
At Oberlin College, Greenfield pursued a premed curriculum, working part-time as an ice cream scooper in the school's cafeteria. After graduating in 1973, he applied to medical school, only to be rejected. This setback led him to pack his bags and move to New York, where he shared an apartment with Cohen and worked as a lab technician.
In 1977, Greenfield and Cohen decided to leave the lab behind and open their own business. Initially, they considered a bagel shop, but a fateful $5 ice cream making correspondence course led them to Burlington, Vermont, where they opened their first Ben & Jerry's shop in a former gas station in 1978.
The rest, as they say, is history. Ben & Jerry's grew exponentially, with Greenfield and Cohen's commitment to using high-quality, all-natural ingredients and unique flavors like Chunky Monkey and Phish Food earning them a loyal following. By the 1980s, the company had expanded to over 200 franchised shops, with annual earnings of $237 million.
Greenfield's dedication to making a positive impact on the world extends far beyond the ice cream shop. Through Ben & Jerry's, he has been an outspoken advocate for environmental issues, social justice, and corporate accountability. The company's commitment to using sustainable practices, reducing waste, and supporting fair trade practices has inspired a generation of socially responsible entrepreneurs.
"If you opened up a Chagall painting, you'd find Ben & Jerry's ice cream inside. We're about creating an experience, not just a product."
Jerry Greenfield's legacy extends far beyond the ice cream shop. Through his work with Ben & Jerry's, he has inspired a generation to think creatively, take risks, and use business as a force for good. As a pioneer in the world of socially responsible entrepreneurship, Greenfield continues to be a beacon of hope for a better, more sustainable future.
Jerry Greenfield's story is one of creative perseverance, social responsibility, and a commitment to making a difference, one delicious scoop at a time. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of the 21st century, Greenfield's legacy serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us all to think creatively, take risks, and use our passions to make a positive impact on the world.
75 Years Old
Co-founder of a beloved ice cream company, known for creative flavors and social activism.
77 Years Old
A physician-turned-politician who served as Governor of Vermont and later chaired the Democratic National Committee, known for his progressive policies and unconventional presidential campaign.
84 Years Old
A democratic socialist who served as a US Senator and ran for President, advocating for progressive policies like universal healthcare and free college tuition.
79 Years Old
The 42nd President of the United States, a charismatic leader who reformed healthcare and economy, and infamous for his scandals.
78 Years Old
A highly influential American politician and diplomat who served as Secretary of State and First Lady, known for her advocacy on women's rights and international diplomacy.
75 Years Old
Founder of The Huffington Post, a popular online news aggregator and blog, known for pioneering online journalism and promoting wellness and self-care.
92 Years Old
A pioneering consumer advocate and presidential candidate, known for his tireless crusade against corporate greed and government negligence, particularly in the areas of environmental protection and product safety.
72 Years Old
Academy Award-winning documentarian and outspoken critic of capitalism, known for provocative films that challenge the status quo and spark national conversations.
