Ben Cohen, born on March 18, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, was raised in Merrick, Long Island, by his parents Frances and Irving Cohen. Growing up, he showed a passion for art and creativity, which led him to pursue a career as an art teacher after graduating from high school. He attended New York University, where he met his lifelong friend and business partner, Jerry Greenfield.
Before co-founding the iconic ice cream company Ben and Jerry's, Ben Cohen worked a variety of odd jobs to make ends meet. He started as a McDonald's cashier, then worked as a Pinkerton guard, a pottery-wheel deliverer, and a mop boy at Jamesway and Friendly's. Despite not knowing it at the time, these diverse experiences would later shape his innovative approach to entrepreneurship.
Ben and Jerry's was born out of Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield's love for food and ice cream. Originally, the duo had plans to start a bagel business, but after realizing the high cost and complexity of the bagel-making process, they decided to pivot to ice cream instead. Ben's anosmia, a condition that results in the loss of smell and taste, played a significant role in the creation of their unique ice cream flavors. To compensate for his diminished senses, Ben added larger chunks of ingredients to their ice cream, creating a signature style that would set Ben and Jerry's apart from other ice cream brands.
Aside from his business ventures, Ben Cohen is also known for his philanthropic work and activism. He has been a vocal advocate for social justice issues, including campaign finance reform and the fight against systemic racism. In 2016, he founded the Stamp Stampede campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the influence of money in politics and encourage individuals to stamp messages on their dollar bills to promote campaign finance reform.
Ben Cohen's dedication to social causes extends beyond his professional life. He is a devoted husband and father, and he remains close to his parents and siblings. Despite his success as an entrepreneur, Ben values family and community above all else, using his platform to advocate for positive change in the world.
Ben Cohen's impact on the world extends far beyond the realm of ice cream. His commitment to social justice and community empowerment serves as a testament to the power of individuals to create positive change. As he continues to champion important causes and support those in need, Ben Cohen's influence will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.