With its eco-friendly paper towels, diapers, and cleansers, Seventh Generation was one of the first—and most successful—green household brands to hit the market. But in the early 1990s, its two founders had a bitter falling out.
Alan Newman and Jeffrey Hollender have barely spoken since that time, but they both agreed to come on the show to talk about the business they were both passionate about, and the delicate nature of partnership.
What you’ll learn:
Timestamps:
7:55 – Jeffrey makes it big in Canada selling adult-learning courses…before he’s forced to leave the country
14:15 – Alan moves to Vermont on a whim, and winds up in a mail-order catalog business
26:56 – Alan and Jeffrey meet for the first time and find common ground: Alan needs capital and Jeffrey has it
32:38 – An atypical office for 1989: Ping pong table, nap room, and employees get prizes when they make mistakes
43:00 – Crisis hits … and tears Alan and Jeffrey’s friendship apart
48:06 – Jeffrey sends Alan a “Dear John” letter, and Alan leaves the company
54:40 – Seventh Generation grows to new heights… then Jeffrey is fired as CEO
1:29:06 – Jeffrey and Alan reflect on why their partnership failed, and what it takes to have a good one
This episode was produced by Casey Herman with music by Ramtin Arablouei.
It was edited by Neva Grant.
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