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Ice cream men By now, most ice cream lovers have memorized the Ben & Jerry's story. In 1978, ex-hippies Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield decided to manufacture old-fashioned homemade ice cream. Using only natural, local ingredients, they began to sell their product out of a converted gas station in Burlington, Vermont. Throughout its history, the company has emphasized social responsibility as a key component of its corporate mission. The company currently donates 7.5 percent of its pre-tax earnings to various charities, for as Greenfield asserts: "Working on combining social issues with profit opportunities is the field in which we labor." From weapons to Wavy Gravy Searching for a bigger dish in the ice cream market, "corporate-minded" Perry D. Odak was hired on as CEO in 1997. Prior to his appointment, Odak had been involved in an entirely different kind of industry - the manufacturing of Winchester rifles. Despite his less-than-peaceful origins, Odak appeared to win the trust of Ben & Jerry's co-founders. Moreover, he implemented an array of successful changes and also considered expansion into other products such as cookies and confections. Scoop shops The company opened 30 new "scoop shops" in the U.S. in 1998, expanding its franchise base to almost 200. With international scoop shops, stores, and cinemas, Ben & Jerry's has hit the taste buds of France, Sweden, Israel, Japan and the U.K. Domestic response was also strong and many Americans have no trouble reciting their favorite B&J flavors (Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey topped the lists of our insiders). The company's sorbets and novelty bars also were popular. Losing its roots Confronted with slowed revenue growth in 1999, slumping stocks, distribution concerns, and myriad takeover offers, Cohen and Greenfield decided to sell the company. In April 2000, European conglomerate Unilever agreed to acquire the company, and amidst such news, Ben & Jerry stock rose. The founders of the ice cream vendor hope to retain the philanthropic nature that has defined the company, through the establishment of an independent board on which the two will serve.
Ben & Jerry's prefers applicants to send resumes by regular mail. Current openings are posted both on the job hotline and on the company's employment web page at www.benjerry.com/jobs/index.html. Send resume, cover letter, salary requirements, and the title of the desired position(s) to Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc.; Attention: HR Staffing; 30 Community Drive; South Burlington, VT 05403-6828. Ben & Jerry's also accepts unsolicited resumes, which it keeps on file for up to one year. Most corporate jobs are at the Vermont headquarters, but the company also hires regional sales representatives for other areas of the country. Even though the company prides itself on fostering a relaxed working environment, applicants should expect an "intensely competitive" hiring process.
Three pints a day "The corporate culture is comfortable and relatively informal," divulges one insider. "It is not unusual to see dogs and kids roaming the halls at our central office. The people tend to be laid back and I would say that the work ethic is strong, but there are not a lot of workaholics in the office." As far as benefits, B&J offers a full array: "health care, dental care, tuition reimbursement, matching 401k up to 4 percent, stock purchase program, and good vacation." One informant received "18 days off a year plus 12 company holidays" (Ben & Jerry's representatives report that paid vacation days have been reduced to 15 per year). Employees "even get three free pints of ice cream each day." Luckily, Ben & Jerry's also provides the dough for health club memberships. A company with a conscience, B&J "focuses considerable attention on its social mission - namely, giving back to the community in various ways." The company donates "7.5 percent of its pretax profits and [engages in] a variety of hands-on volunteer projects." Sloppy dressers On the subject of dress code. . . well, there is no subject of dress code. "Shoes are required," remarks one footwear-savvy source. Another adds, "We wear whatever we want. I work in one of our manufacturing plants so it is very informal here - jeans are definitely the norm. Business casual is more the norm at our central office, although people there also wear jeans and t-shirts. Ben and Jerry themselves are usually leading that trend." Vermont: home of cold weather and warm people Vermont, B&J's home, is an appealing locale to some, an atrocity to others. "Living in Vermont is very different than living in a lot of other parts of the country (and world)," an informant concedes. "There are plenty of outdoor recreation activities and lots of security (I usually leave my keys in the ignition in my driveway). There are also a lot of intangible benefits." Another contact doesn't mind the frigid weather: "On the whole, people here are quite friendly; and if you can tolerate the cold on occasion, this is the place for you." The company itself fosters a familial atmosphere. Says one insider, "at times you love it, and at times it's really difficult. But when you look back at it all, it's been a great ride. I wouldn't trade it for the world." Minority push "The company is doing an excellent job with its diversity plan," explains an insider. "There is a push right now for diversity." Company representatives report that "of the five officers, two are women and one is an African American man." Another insider applauds the "diversity that is present at most of the other levels of the company." Nevertheless, "Vermont still has a rather low percentage of minorities outside of [its] college towns." Job-seekers might experience culture shock "if they are used to being around many different types of people." One source sums up the situation: "In no way would I say B&J are leaders in providing opportunities to minorities, especially considering that the local population is less than 5 percent people of color. But I think we're fair, and we appreciate diversity."
Human Resources Human Resources 30 Community Drive1 South Burlington VT 05403-6828
Ice cream and other frozen desert products.
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