For many years Ben & Jerry's has donated 7.5 percent of its annual pretax profits to charitable causes -- the highest percentage of any publicly-held company. Yet the company has become an even more powerful agent for social change by embracing a "values-led" business philosophy. Values-led business is based on the idea that business, which has become the most powerful force in society, has to accept responsibility for the welfare of that society and the people in it. Values-led business is more encompassing and therefore more effective than philosophy alone. It also seeks to maximize its impact by integrating socially beneficial actions into as many of its day-to-day activities as possible from raw materials to retailing. In order to do that, values must guide a company's mission statement, strategy and operating plan.
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"A lovely book for anyone that loves icecream. I like Ben and Jerry's (not sure how the takeover will affect them in the future, but it's working so far) and I'm happy to say that this book follows the corporate image they had at the time the book was put out. It's cheerful and fun. "
— Saleris (4 out of 5 stars)
“A very different kind of business book, Ben & Jerry’s Double-Dip shows how a company can win the respect of its community, loyalty of its customers, and healthy profits, too, by addressing social concerns as well as the bottom line.”
— Business Times“A nonfattening blend of social consciousness and practical business advice…a how-to book with a socially responsible twist…and it’s fun to read, too.”
— San Francisco Chronicle“Ben & Jerry have achieved what we all wish were possible in business—one set of values, for home and at work. Hurray for them!”
— Tom Chappell, president and cofounder of Tom’s of Maine“I love Ben & Jerry because they are an inspiration to any business that recognizes a worldwide responsibility. They understand that decisions affect not just economies but people, too.”
— Anita Roddick, founder of the Body Shop" a little humor, in placid days "
— Jason, 10/30/2013" An interesting story - I love their ethos. Unfortunately it didn't really give me the insight I had hoped for with regard to setting up a successful business. It's more of a well-told milestone journey through their success. "
— Brian, 5/2/2013" I worked at a Ben& Jerry's scoop shop for 4 years. I even got to meet Jerry. This was interesting. "
— Devon, 3/3/2012" There wasn't much about making money in this book, it was just mostly Ben & Jerry's history and their liberal outlook on life and business. "
— Kevin, 1/7/2012" I'm making ice cream all the time now. Yum-o. "
— Brianne, 1/13/2011" Great for a lover of Ben & Jerry's and first time ice cream maker owner. Easy, yummy recipes nothing too complicated. Not encyclopedic but gives you a good soid understanding of basic building blocks of ice cream. "
— Golden, 9/2/2010" An amazing story. And lots of good advice for making ice cream!:-) "
— Ryan, 4/28/2010" This is the best ice cream book I've ever seen. Gives you all the basics you need to then create your own stuff. Sublime. "
— Melanie, 7/19/2009" YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I made the homemade chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches so far, and I just can't wait to try more, but I have to put in some serious workout time first. "
— Kari, 7/3/2009" Many great recipes. The question is how to choose just one?! "
— Kathy, 6/23/2009" Yum! One of my favorites is the raspberry sorbet. "
— Carrie, 12/15/2008" The absolute best ice cream book I've read. And I've read a lot of them. The recipes are mostly simple with a lot of variations on inclusions. Jerry's chocolate ice cream is the best chocolate ice cream I've ever tasted. "
— Cynthia, 8/22/2008" This is a great little book about the beginnings of Ben and Jerrys, but most importantly it has recipes for lots of good ice cream. Give 'em a shot and invite me over to try them out. "
— Neil, 7/25/2008" Even if you never make any ice cream and just read this book, it's still worth five stars for the creamy goodness factor. <br/> <br/> "
— Kerry, 7/25/2008" In addition to providing some classic B&J's recipes, this book gives background on how B&J got their business off the ground with their trademark humor throughout. "
— Randall, 4/30/2008" If you make ice cream this book is great. I've tried lots of recipes from it. I've also learned a lot about the "theory" of ice cream making so I have been able to make up lots of my own creations. Yummy! "
— Cheryl, 4/27/2008" This book has the best recipe for Chocolate Chip cookies! <br/> Once I tried them, I've never made another recipe! <br/> <br/> Worth the price of the cookbook alone! "
— Ali, 3/25/2008" I have a new ice cream maker (thanks, mom?) and these guys make it seem do-able. "
— Jaime, 2/4/2008Ben Cohen is one of the cofounders of Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. The partners opened their first ice cream shop in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978 leading to a hugely successful brand and several books on ice cream and business. Cohen is acting chairperson of the board.