Ben & Jerry’s Flavors of Friendship

The scoop on the scoop — the sweet story behind ice cream’s icons

Tim He
September 08, 2024 • Est. Reading Time: 4 minutes

Hey, I’m Tim! ☕

I don’t think I’ve ever had Ben & Jerry’s ice cream before, so maybe I’ll grab some and call it “research.”

I also just found out after writing this edition that I have a mutual friend with Ben and Jerry. Small world.

Here’s the one thing to remember: go into business with your friends, but not just because you’re friends.

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Let’s get into it ⤵

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light” — Helen Keller, who was both deaf and blind.

Art by Mary Amato

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield met in 7th grade gym class, bonding as the two slowest kids in the group.
They had other aspirations; Ben wanted to be a potter and Jerry wanted to be a doctor. Life had other plans.
Instead, they took a $5 ice cream class and opened their first shop in an old gas station that had holes in the roof.
Now, with millions in revenue and a global brand, their friendship remains as sweet as ever. Maybe even sweeter.

Embrace unlikely beginnings because you never know when your cofoundership might take an unexpected but rewarding turn.
A shared vision brings together even the most unlikely pairs, like a would-be potter and a would-be doctor.
Do business with your friends if you can prioritize the friendship. Ben says “Our relationship hasn’t changed at all.”

Psst… enjoying this? Share this link with a friend. You could save a cofoundership.

Their pivot to ice cream must’ve initially felt like surrendering to a fate that conspired against their true doctor-and-potter selves.
Ironically, the weight of unfulfilled aspirations is carried by the very bond that sustains their cofoundership.
I’ve become cofounders with best friends, acquaintances, and strangers. Working with friends always adds an extra layer of fun.

Dive into this Reddit thread of people discussing whether or not you should do business with your friends.
Grill your cofounder with these 10 questions from Y Combinator. Or these 50 from First Round Capital.
Wary about mixing personal and professional? Spill the beans to Nikki Coe at Confessions of a Co-Founder.

Make sure your cofounder sees this — either pass it along or get them to subscribe. A solid relationship takes everyone's effort.

Looking for a cofounder coach? Hit reply.

Tim He
Founder & CEO