How I Built This with Guy Raz
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Seventh Generation: Alan Newman and Jeffrey Hollender. A Partnership that Flourished—until it Failed. (2021)
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: Why Alan says his great strength—and his greatness weakness—is his tendency to say “yes.” How Jeffrey and Alan lost their friendship and business partnership after only three years. How Jeffrey grew Seventh Generation into a household name—and then got fired. How two formerly estranged partners feel about partnership now. Timestamps: 5:30 - Jeffrey makes it big in Canada selling adult-learning courses… before he’s forced to leave the country 11:50 - Alan moves to Vermont on a whim, and winds up in a mail-order catalog business 24:31 - Alan and Jeffrey meet for the first time and find common ground: Alan needs capital and Jeffrey has it 30:13 - An atypical office for 1989: Ping pong table, nap room, and employees get prizes when they make mistakes 40:35 - Crisis hits… and tears Alan and Jeffrey’s friendship apart 45:41 - Jeffrey sends Alan a “Dear John” letter, and Alan leaves the company 50:00 - Seventh Generation grows to new heights… then Jeffrey is fired as CEO 82:56 - 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. Follow How I Built This: Instagram → @howibuiltthis X → @HowIBuiltThis Facebook → How I Built This Follow Guy Raz: Instagram → @guy.raz Youtube → guy_raz X → @guyraz Substack → guyraz.substack.com Website → guyraz.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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