Jerry Greenfield

Jerry Greenfield is a renowned American entrepreneur and co-founder of the iconic ice cream company Ben & Jerry's, along with his friend Ben Cohen. Born in 1951, Greenfield grew up in Merick, New York, and later attended Colgate University, where he met his future business partner. The duo's passion for social justice and environmental sustainability would eventually shape the values of their company, which would become a household name, rivaling Haagen-Dazs and Breyers.

● Early Life

Greenfield's early life was marked by a strong sense of community and social responsibility, which was influenced by his parents and his experiences at Colgate University. He was particularly drawn to the ideas of Ralph Nader and the Consumer Movement, which emphasized the importance of corporate accountability and social responsibility. Greenfield's interests in social justice and environmental sustainability were further shaped by his involvement with organizations such as the Sierra Club and the National Wildlife Federation. During his time at Colgate University, Greenfield also developed a strong appreciation for the works of Henry David Thoreau and Rachel Carson, which would later influence the values and mission of Ben & Jerry's.

● Career

Greenfield's career in the ice cream industry began in 1978, when he and Ben Cohen founded Ben & Jerry's in Burlington, Vermont. The company quickly gained a reputation for its unique and creative flavors, such as Cherry Garcia and Phish Food, which were inspired by the duo's love of music and art. As the company grew, Greenfield and Cohen remained committed to their values of social justice and environmental sustainability, partnering with organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Fair Trade Federation. Ben & Jerry's also became known for its innovative marketing campaigns, which often featured collaborations with Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews, and other notable musicians. The company's success eventually caught the attention of Unilever, which acquired Ben & Jerry's in 2000, allowing Greenfield and Cohen to expand their reach and impact through partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations and the World Wildlife Fund.

● Philanthropy

Greenfield's philanthropic efforts have been focused on supporting organizations that promote social justice and environmental sustainability. He has been involved with organizations such as the Acadia Center, the Clean Air-Cool Planet, and the Environmental Defense Fund, which work to address issues such as climate change and sustainable agriculture. Greenfield has also been a long-time supporter of the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, which provides grants to non-profit organizations working on issues such as human rights, environmental conservation, and community development. His philanthropic work has been recognized by organizations such as the National Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club, which have honored him for his commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

● Personal Life

Greenfield's personal life has been marked by a strong sense of community and social responsibility, which is reflected in his involvement with organizations such as the Vermont Community Foundation and the Burlington Community Land Trust. He has been married to his wife, Elizabeth Skarie, since 1987, and the couple has two children, Tyson Greenfield and Jasper Greenfield. Greenfield is also an avid hiker and outdoorsman, and has been involved in various conservation efforts in Vermont and beyond, including work with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Vermont Land Trust. His love of music and art has also led him to support organizations such as the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and the Burlington City Arts.

● Awards and Recognition

Greenfield's contributions to social justice and environmental sustainability have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, including the United Nations Global 500 Award and the National Wildlife Federation's Conservation Achievement Award. He has also been honored by organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Fair Trade Federation for his commitment to sustainable agriculture and fair trade practices. In 2011, Greenfield was inducted into the Vermont Business Hall of Fame, and in 2015, he received the James Beard Foundation's Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work in promoting social justice and environmental sustainability through Ben & Jerry's. Greenfield's legacy continues to inspire a new generation of social entrepreneurs and environmental leaders, including Annie Leonard and Van Jones, who are working to create a more just and sustainable world. Category:American entrepreneurs