Introduction
Ben Cohen (businessman), officially known as Bennett Cohen, is an American entrepreneur, activist, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of the global ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s. Beyond building one of the most recognizable food companies in the world, Cohen has developed a strong identity as a political activist focused on social justice, peace, and government accountability. His career represents a unique combination of business innovation and public advocacy, making him a notable figure in both corporate and political discussions.
Over the years, Ben Cohen (businessman) has shifted from being a traditional entrepreneur to a vocal critic of government spending priorities, particularly in relation to military budgets. His activism has placed him at the center of debates around corporate responsibility, public policy, and ethical capitalism. This transformation from ice cream entrepreneur to activist has made him widely discussed in media, business circles, and political movements across the United States.
Early Life and Education
Ben Cohen (businessman) was born on March 18, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Merrick, Long Island, in a Jewish family. His upbringing in a working-class household strongly influenced his values around fairness, community responsibility, and social awareness. His father, Irving Cohen, worked in the Department of Labour, which exposed him early to issues of economic justice and labor rights. These early experiences played a key role in shaping his later activism and ethical approach to business.
During his youth, Cohen met his future business partner Jerry Greenfield in a seventh-grade gym class. He later attended multiple institutions, including Colgate University, Skidmore College, New York University, and the University of Massachusetts through the University Without Walls program. However, his academic journey was non-linear, and he eventually dropped out after exploring different interests such as pottery and creative arts. These diverse experiences helped him develop a creative mindset that later influenced his business innovation.
Career and Founding Ben & Jerry’s
In 1978, Ben Cohen (businessman) co-founded Ben & Jerry’s with Jerry Greenfield in Burlington, Vermont, starting from a renovated gas station. Initially, they planned to start a bagel business but shifted to ice cream due to cost limitations. With a modest investment of around $12,000, they launched their first ice cream shop in a college town with little competition. This decision marked the beginning of what would become one of the most successful ice cream brands in the world.
A defining aspect of Ben & Jerry’s was its unique product style and texture-driven ice cream development. Cohen’s partial loss of smell, known as anosmia, influenced the company’s focus on chunky textures and bold flavor combinations. As the brand expanded, it became known not only for its products but also for its strong social mission, supporting causes such as climate change awareness, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. The company built a reputation for combining business success with activism-driven values.
Sale to Unilever and Business Evolution
In 1996, Ben Cohen stepped down as CEO of Ben & Jerry’s, marking a transition in his business involvement. In 2000, Cohen and Greenfield sold the company to Unilever, a major global consumer goods corporation. Despite the sale, Ben & Jerry’s maintained a unique operational structure, including an independent board designed to protect its social mission and ethical commitments. This structure later became a source of conflict between corporate ownership and activist leadership.
In recent years, tensions have emerged between Ben Cohen (businessman), the Ben & Jerry’s board, and Unilever regarding company direction and values. In 2021 and beyond, disagreements over political positions, including issues related to Israel-Palestine and military policy, brought the brand back into global headlines. Cohen has publicly supported efforts to ensure the company remains aligned with socially responsible investors, reflecting his continued commitment to ethical business principles even after leaving daily operations.
Activism and Political Advocacy
After leaving executive leadership, Ben Cohen (businessman) became increasingly active in political advocacy. He founded organizations such as TrueMajority and Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities, both aimed at redirecting government spending from military budgets toward social programs such as healthcare and education. His activism focuses heavily on challenging defense spending policies and promoting peaceful diplomatic solutions in international conflicts.
In addition to organizational work, Cohen has been involved in campaigns supporting political figures such as Bernie Sanders, Dennis Kucinich, and Barack Obama at different times. He has also participated in movements like Stamp Stampede, which advocates for campaign finance reform. Through these efforts, Cohen has positioned himself as a prominent voice in progressive political activism, often using public speaking and media appearances to express his views on economic inequality and government accountability.
Arrests and Public Controversies
Ben Cohen (businessman) has been arrested multiple times during political protests, reflecting his active engagement in civil disobedience. In 2016, he was arrested during a protest in Washington, D.C., alongside Jerry Greenfield. He was also arrested in 2023 during a protest related to the prosecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, highlighting his involvement in free speech and anti-war movements.
In May 2025, Cohen was arrested again during a U.S. Senate hearing where he protested military aid policies and government spending priorities. His actions often generate strong reactions, with supporters viewing him as a principled activist and critics questioning his methods. Despite controversy, these events have significantly increased public attention toward his advocacy work and strengthened his image as a vocal opponent of military expansion and political imbalance.
Other Ventures and Philanthropy
Beyond Ben & Jerry’s, Ben Cohen (businessman) has explored several entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures. In 2023, he launched Ben’s Best Blnz (B3), a nonprofit cannabis-related initiative focused on social justice and addressing harms caused by the war on drugs. The initiative includes partnerships with organizations supporting racial justice and prisoner reform, reflecting his broader commitment to equity-driven business models.
Cohen has also contributed significantly to philanthropic efforts through the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, which receives a percentage of company profits and funds grassroots organizations. His involvement in initiatives such as the Anti Displacement Project and other advocacy groups demonstrates his long-term commitment to social impact investing. These ventures show how he continues to merge entrepreneurship with activism even outside traditional corporate leadership.
Awards and Recognition
Ben Cohen (businessman) has received recognition for both his entrepreneurial achievements and his contributions to social responsibility. In 1988, he was named U.S. Small Business Person of the Year, highlighting his success in building a major consumer brand from a small startup. This award acknowledged his innovative approach to business development and brand building in a competitive market.
In 2000, Cohen was honored by the New York Open Center for his leadership in socially responsible business practices. His recognition extends beyond business awards, as he is also frequently invited to speak at events focused on ethics, activism, and corporate responsibility. These honors reflect his dual identity as both a successful entrepreneur and a public advocate for social change.
Legacy and Influence
Ben Cohen (businessman) has left a lasting impact on both the business world and political activism. Through Ben & Jerry’s, he demonstrated that companies can be both profitable and socially responsible, setting a precedent for modern ethical branding. His approach has influenced many entrepreneurs who seek to integrate social values into their business models.
His activism continues to shape discussions around government spending, corporate responsibility, and social justice. Whether through protests, public campaigns, or philanthropic initiatives, Cohen remains an influential figure advocating for systemic change. His legacy is defined not only by the ice cream brand he helped build but also by his ongoing efforts to challenge traditional power structures and promote a more equitable society.
FAQ
Ben Cohen (businessman) is often confused with other individuals of the same name, including the English rugby player. However, this Ben Cohen is specifically the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company and is known for his activism in political and social issues. He is frequently associated with progressive movements, campaign finance reform, and anti-war advocacy. His career spans business, philanthropy, and political activism, making him a widely discussed public figure.
Common questions about Ben Cohen (businessman) include his role in founding Ben & Jerry’s, his involvement in political protests, and his activism against military spending. People also search for details about his education, philanthropic work, and relationship with Unilever after the company’s acquisition of Ben & Jerry’s. Additionally, there is interest in his arrests during protests and his support for political campaigns such as Bernie Sanders. His life continues to attract attention due to his unique blend of entrepreneurship and activism.
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