Jeffrey Hollender (born 1954 in New York City) is an American entrepreneur, author, and activist best known for founding Seventh Generation Inc.
Jeffrey Hollender | |
---|---|
Born | New York City, New York, US | November 8, 1954
Alma mater | Hampshire College |
Occupation(s) | Founder & CEO of Sustain Natural Co-Founder of American Sustainable Business Council |
Known for | Co-Founder & CEO of Seventh Generation Inc. |
Board member of | Greenpeace, Kimberly-Clark |
Website | jeffreyhollender sustainnatural |
Hollender grew up in New York City and attended The Town School, The Allen-Stevenson School, Riverdale Country Day School, Putney School, and Santa Barbara High School. He graduated high school from Baldwin School. Hollender attended Hampshire College for three semesters and did not graduate.
From 1976 to 1978, Hollender founded and served as CEO of the Skills Exchange of Toronto, a non-profit that offered evening and weekend classes. In 1979, Hollender was the president of Network for Learning and Warner Audio Publishing.[citation needed]
In 1988, Hollender and Alan Newman acquired a small mail order catalog centered on energy conservation products known as Renew America, which eventually transformed into Seventh Generation Inc. The company sells eco-friendly household products. It reached $8 million in sales within three years of operation.[1]
In June 2009, Hollender stepped down from his role as CEO and became Executive Chairperson of Seventh Generation. Hollender was fired from Seventh Generation by the board of directors in October 2010.[2]
In 2009, Hollender co-founded the American Sustainable Business Council,[3] which describes itself as a "growing coalition of business networks committed to public policies that support a vibrant, just, and sustainable economy." It claims to be "a national partnership of 57+ business associations representing over 150,000 businesses and 300,000 entrepreneurs, managers, investors, and others. These partners support sustainable , socially responsible business practices, and strong local Main Street economies."[4]
Hollender has served on the board of Greenpeace USA since 2005 and as co-chair of the Board of Directors since 2010. He also has served on the board of Verite, Health Care Without Harm, and Practically Green.[citation needed]
In 2013, Hollender and his daughter Meika Hollender started Sustain Natural, a sexual wellness company that provides sustainable, fair trade, and non-toxic condoms. Hollender got the idea for the company while surfing. The Hollenders approached more than 25 venture capital firms looking for backing but did not receive investments. Instead, they started the company with money from themselves, family, and friends.[1] Sustain Natural was acquired by Grove Collaborative in 2019 for an undisclosed sum.[5]
Hollender has written six books on corporate responsibility and sustainable practices. Hollender's writing has been published in academic journals such as the Stanford Social Innovation Review.[6]
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